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Information at www.capuk.org . Contact telephone number 01274 760720
Christians Against Poverty is a national debt counselling charity with a network of centres based in local churches. CAP offers hope and a solution to anyone in debt through its unique, in-depth service.
CAP aims to show God's love in action by providing sustainable poverty relief through debt counselling, advice and practical help. CAP's unique 'hands on' approach empowers people to help themselves out of poverty and be released from the fear, oppression and worry generated by overwhelming debts. We are providing sustainable poverty relief as our service teaches clients vital budgeting skills that will last a lifetime.
John Kirkby founded CAP in 1996 in response to the tremendous poverty he saw in his home city of Bradford. As a Christian, he believed God was calling him to use the skills gained through 17 years experience in the consumer finance industry to reach out to people suffering under the burden of debt.
The Clients Story:
Janet's Request for Help
''It all started when I left my job to have my youngest, this made money tight but then my husband lost his job too. We are now very behind with our bills and I only stopped us being evicted by borrowing £900. I also got a small loan just to put food on the table for my 5 children. But I know I can't repay them and that it's going to happen again.
I am not eating for days at a time, just telling the kids I've already eaten. I'm still breastfeeding my 18 month old because I know he won't get the vitamins he needs if I don't. Our marriage has hit rock bottom, we can't look each other in the eye or even be in the same room, he has bedded down on the sofa. I haven't told him I've borrowed money, the court letters and the rest, it would finish him off. He said he will give it to the end of the month before he bails out as he can't cope. I am going to the doctors because I just can't stop crying.''
Janet's Happy Ending
''When I spoke to Bernie (Christians Against Poverty debt counsellor) I felt like she was my best friend. She visited us the next day and we handed over all our paperwork. She asked if she could pray for us and from that moment it felt as though God was on our side. Bernie came back a week later and told us what to pay and when. We were given a realistic amount for food, to pay off our debts, and even save a little each week.
Bernie asked if we wanted to go on a short break that CAP organised for some clients. The atmosphere was fantastic, relaxing, happy and fulfilling, we wanted to keep this feeling forever. The talks made us think and I gave my life to God almost straight away and Eric followed a few days later.
We now attend King's Church in Selby, have been on an Alpha course and are looking forward to getting baptised. We also went on a marriage course and our relationship gets stronger by the day. Our children are happier because we are happier as parents. We want to help CAP help more families like ours so we give our time as CAP volunteers. ''
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