Interview @ Lee Abbey [with Stephen Crowther]
Stephen introduces himself, married to Fiona and stepped into the lead worship role about a year ago. Grew up in Durham in 1998-2000 where Kelvin and Stephen’s father Gordon were at Cranmer, Bible college. So Kelvin met Stephen when he was 3 years old, but Stephen cant remember much about it! Stephen says, ‘enoiugh about me, Kelvin tell us about your early years. Your accent tells us you are not from these parts.
1. The early years in Northern Ireland?
Peaceful Ulster oin the e arly 1960s. Privileged to be brought up in a Christian home. I became a Christian (at the age of 10) knelt and prayed invited Jesus in.
My Mums accident was a significant event. From a riding accident she suffered a broken neck and multiple fractures in her right arm. After prayer she was Healed in 3 days and that started Mother’s healing ministry. Mum travelled widely in the 1970s -Praying for the sick. Vancouver Ern Baxter Christian Centre. ORU Oklahoma. New York International Christian centre - Ben Crandall. Florida Frances McNutt. Pastor Giff Claiborne, LA. Also Scandinavia and in England.
I attended a Quaker school. I was active in Sport and attended the School Christian Union. Christian Teachers looked out for us, one of those was Miss Burgess.
2. What impact did the Troubles have on you?
Troubles: Christian Teacher: shopping in Boyds Clothes shop. Bomb without a warning. Miss Burgess OBE was a survivor [2/11/71]. 1000 stitches, Right leg amputated.
3. What was it like leaving NI for University?
Studies and sport and MIFCU were important to me. 350+ attended the Uni Manchester CU. I took part in the CU Uni Mission outreach]. Keynote speakers included, David Watson, Richard Forster, Alex Buchanan. The Banter and witnessing and craick was good with the Irish crowd & Sport – Pete McGowan - saved.
4. After University, what did you do?
Moved to Wakefield in 1977. Finding a church was a priority. I quickly settled into life of being a young 21-year-old Christian in Wakefield. There were many my age at church. I waas working in Accountancy. Studying to be Chartered. Trained in the Isle of Wight - Accountancy Tuition centre in Old Park Hotel, St Lawrence.
5. Tell us about the car accident that changed your life. How long in hospital? (8 mths).
A week away with Christian friends in Lake District. Hiking climbing swimming. Honister climb buttermere fell buttermere lake Hindscarth. Good QT by the river at Grange in the morning 30/5/79. Ps 27:4 Thing I have asked of the Lord that I will behold the beauty of the Lord all the days of my life… for he will shelter me in the day of trouble.
crash. Crushed. God with me my darkest time. Matt 28:20 ‘With you always.’ Saying the Name of Jesus over and over. Song of Songs 1:3 His name is like ointment…
How did your faith survive all of that? Held. Bible verses. 1 Pet 5:10 ‘and after you have suffered a little while the God of all grace who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ will himself restore establish and strengthen you.’ 1 Pet 1:6 in this you rejoice even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials so that the genuineness of your faith being more precious than gold that is tested by fire may be found to result in praise and glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed. Isa 58:8 ‘your light shall break forth like the dawn and your healing shall spring up quickly ………the Lord shall be your rear guard.’ All things work together for good…. Rom 28:20. Remembering Miss Burgess – a survivor. Training for Accountancy on I.o.W.
6. When did you marry? Tell us about Jennie. Do you have family? Tell us about that.
Went to USA 1984. LA Giff Claiborne prophecy – healing ministry and Lord has a partner for you. Met Jennie knew she was the one. Prayer, bible, worship – sister, friend, wife soul mate. We have three daughters & four grandchildren.
7. What is the Lake of Tears all about?
After 10 years, lot of prayer for healing, prophetic words about healing. Conferences, New Wine, Wimber, McNutt. Mum Rita. Self Pity. Put on a show, all OK. But lost sight of personal Lord, every day God. IoW John & Margie Wells home. Alone in bedroom. Praying ranting at God. ….. Lake of Tears… Gethsemane…. Then soared over crater lake
Ps 56:8 ‘You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.’
8. You retrained for the ministry in Durham and ended up in Hospital Chaplaincy – was that always your intention?
No, I had a bit of a phobia about hospitals after 9 months in Hospital!
Ordained 1999, training incumbent Bill suggested I introduce myself to Hospice and Hospital. I became a Honorary Chaplain. It was highlight of my week.
You were in whole time Chaplaincy at Leeds – what was that like? Tell us about some of your encounters? Leeds Teaching Hospitals was great place to start as chaplain - it was a large team diverse, multi faith. Camaraderie good. 14000 staff, countless volunteers and 1500 patients over 6 sites.
Special encounters with Pam, Lindy, and Donald.
9. What now?
Moved to IoW. Lead Chaplain at both the Hospital and Hospice. Special encounters with Quaker Richard - God-Bless.
