Blown Away

'It's impossible to visit Church on the Street and not be deeply moved by the work the organisation does for those in need. It is an extraordinary place ... 'HRH THE PRINCE OF WALES, from the Foreword'There are so few people like Pastor Mick that this book deserves a shelf all to itself.' JEREMY VINE, BROADCASTER AND JOURNALISTAn autobiography that is fast-paced, stirring and a powerful testament to the love of God, Blown Away tells the story of Pastor Mick Fleming.No conventional clergyman, Pastor Mick led a life of crime and addiction before being called by God to become a Christian minister. Brutally raped as a child, he was about to confide in his parents when the dreadful news came that his sister had died of a sudden heart-attack. Mick didn't cry again for 30 years, masking his pain with drink and drugs and working as notorious underworld fixer - until the day a revelation of faith unravelled his world, and he found himself utterly 'blown away'.Here he relates his incredible journey from hardened criminal to discovering who he truly is in Christ; from helping to destroy lives through drug dealing, to helping others and saving lives through selflessly serving those in poverty. Laying bare his struggles in full for the first time, including a failed attempt at suicide, Pastor Mick tells how sharing his pain has helped others who are suffering. Since that first call that set him on the road to becoming a Christian minister he has seen miracles happen - including being able not only to forgive, but to help, the man who ruined his life.Blown Away is a thought-provoking and inspiring Christian autobiography that offers insight into the violent underworld of crime, addiction and substance abuse in the UK and reveals the extraordinary power of faith, forgiveness and redemption. Pastor Mick's story will move and inspire you on your own faith journey, and offer hope to those struggling with addiction, grief and suffering.Told with raw honesty and full of warmth and humanity, Blown Away is an amazing example of how God can help those even in the darkest places.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge wanted to visit Pastor Mick to offer support and understand more about the work that takes place in Church on the Street., There are so few people like Pastor Mick that this book deserves a shelf all to itself., Mick Fleming's story is at the same time both unbelievable and real. It reveals a man who was dreadfully wronged and guilty of many wrongs - yet miraculously found forgiveness and the ability to forgive. Liberated from bitterness and guilt, Mick's response has been to do more good in one life time than a whole roomful of politicians. A gritty, gripping and moving book.

A month after Blown Away was published, Pastor Mick Fleming was consecrated Bishop of Church on the Street in Burnley and of The International Christian Church Network. COTS is a Christian community dedicated to helping others, particularly those who find themselves homeless, struggle with addictions, or are on the bread line.