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"I am very happy and privileged to thoroughly endorse Roll the Rock and its' director Andy Wilson. I am amazed at the thousands of unchurched young people that Andy meets every month, whether it be through school assemblies, Christian Unions or R.E. lessons, who, were it not for Andy Wilson and RolltheRock , would have no meaningful or realistic encounter with Christianity. I am extremely impressed with the way in which Andy approaches young people whether it be on a one to one basis or in lessons and school assemblies. He always manages to communicate the Christian message in a way that leaves no doubt in the young person's mind about the uniqueness of Jesus Christ, whilst at the same time respecting the right of the individual to make their own choices. Andy not only teaches young people about Christian principles but he also models a Christian lifestyle which speaks louder than any words. I am thrilled to see the impact that RolltheRock is having on young people in this area and am pleased to be able to commend its work." Wynn James, Pastor of Life Destiny Church "Andy has helped out at our Youth Group as well as being involved in other church events. He always gives a very strong and positive message that the young respond to; in particular he has the rare skill of being able to communicate with the younger generation in a way to which they can relate. No one, however young or old, can listen to Andy without wanting to hear more about his message." James Love, Elder and Youth Group Leader, St. Paul's United Reformed Church, Harrogate. "I have known Andy for over ten years now, he is a person of integrity with a real heart for the work that he does. He is accountable and has sought to root his work in a strong personal Christian faith and as part of a wider faith community in Harrogate and beyond. His ministry is testimony to his perseverance and willingness to respond to God's call on his life." Rev Paul Nash MA, Senior Chaplain, Birmingham Children's Hospital. "Andy has a vision to facilitate and deliver relevant and credible youth work to young people. He has a passion for schools work and is committed to ongoing long term relationships with young people. He challenges young people to think about the big questions in life and seeks to show that Christianity is a viable choice." Dr Sally Nash, Director, Midlands Centre for Youth Ministry " Community Education has appreciated the work that Andy has done with young people in youth clubs, he has created thought provoking spaces in the hectic and chaotic lives of some young people, he has answered their challenging questions honestly and openly and discussed the benefits of belief with a variety of believers and non believers. Andy's sessions challenge young people to think in a non threatening way about how they are living their lives." Kevin Gay, District Youth and Community Worker, Harrogate College "Andy is great fun to be around, he brings a positive attitude and something genuinely unique to schools work in the UK". Lee Jackson author of 'effective schools work' and Director of Leeds Faith In Schools www.lfis.org " Andy Wilson is a blind man with great vision. This I know because of the number of times he has not only helped me to understand and see what should have been obvious, but also his desire and drive to see and explore a much bigger picture. Over the past three years I've been excited by the work Andy has developed with young people in and around Harrogate. His vulnerable, humble, witty, caring and faithful approach to young people has been a real attraction in schools, clubs, churches, on the street or wherever young people choose to meet. Many schools have greatly benefited from the refreshing voice and listening ear of a faithful Christian who understands and is at ease working within the constraints of formal education structures. Andy is gifted in capturing the imagination of young minds and helping make space for them to express and explore both their faith and doubts with integrity. He is particularly able to effectively challenge preconceived assumptions and in return is always willing to take seriously those who challenge him. Participation is a key theme that Andy has developed in his work with young people. He has found creative ways of involving a wide variety of young people in projects that develop their own skills and talents. This has resulted in group publications, music groups, creative group projects, presentations, peer group learning and a great deal of individual and personal growth. The churches of Harrogate couldn't afford to adequately pay for the gifts and commitment to youth work that Andy has brought to the town. The fact that he is here reflects his personal sacrifice and passion for something much greater than himself for the benefit of many others." Nic Sheppard, Youth Work Adviser, Ripon & Leeds Diocese,
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"Andy has contributed regularly to our morning Chapel programme for a number of years. He always presents the Gospel with a lightness of touch that is appropriate to the context. He manages to connect with his 'audience', drawing on both his own experience and theirs. The students really look forward to his visits. Andy has also run a weekly lunchtime meeting for a small number of girls who wanted to explore the Christian faith more fully. He has dealt with some very challenging questions, and also with young people who have previously felt rejected by the church. His patient and good humoured engagement has led to a deepening of faith for people across the whole spectrum of the Christian tradition." Jan Cheeseman, School Chaplain "Andy has impacted my life over the past few years in several different ways. Firstly within school - his motivation to connect with the youth culture through assemblies and Christian Union. Then later, giving his testimony in youth services at church and leading worship at Hyper. I have come to know him personally at gigs, where he has made me feel welcome and never fails to make me laugh! His dedication to his work has inspired me to look into becoming a youth worker and evangelist myself. THANK YOU ANDY!" Jo Hughes "Andy has the God-given ability to interact brilliantly with young people, challenge them to examine their own views, and present the Gospel in a relevant way. I have appreciated his willingness to lead discussions on all matter of topics with my classes and Christian Union." Lynn Blanch
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