Son of a missionary, born in the Congo, Billy endured a strict upbringing before escaping to the Army at 16. Despite the brutality and bullying he survived and did well, being fast-tracked for a commission. He met and married Bev, herself a corporal. Billy soon quit the Army to become a bodyguard to the stars, working with Naomi Campbell, Take That, Bee Gees, Arnold Schwarzeneggar, Mel Gibson and others. Billy had always been a drinker but now the celebrity lifestyle introduced him to drugs - dealing, and running with gangsters. He lost his job. Bev and the children suffered as a consequence, and Bev ultimately divorced him. Billy contemplated suicide when a friend reintroduced him to the God he had hated for 30 years. Bev too discovered Christianity: the two would be reconciled, remarry, and have two more children. Now a Baptist pastor, prison chaplain and evangelist, Billy sees in others the miracle that has taken place in himself.

The story of a self-destructive hard man, bodyguard and boozer whose life was utterly transformed by Christ

About the Author
Ex-Army hard man and professional bodyguard, Billy's destructive tendencies were brought up short by his encounter with Christ. He became a Baptist pastor, prison chaplain and evangelist. He is now Regional Director for the Eden Project in Manchester.

Reviews
"Billy Gilvear is a remarkable man. From a life dominated by family break-up,drugs & despair, he has been transformed by an encounter with Jesus Christ. He is now a role model for so many people. His story will offer hope to everyone who reads it." -- Revd Nicky Gumbel, Holy Trinity Brompton
"A thriller. The pages of Billy's life seem to turn themselves. All the elements of the greatest adventure except this one's true!" -- Revd Anthony Delaney, Leader Ivy Church, Manchester
"I have seen first-hand just what an incredible impact Billy's testimony has in the prisons and tough communities where we live. I can't wait now to see this amazing story get the wider audience it deserves." -- Andy Hawthorne OBE, CEO of The Message Trust
"From soldier to officer, drug pusher to attempted suicide victim, Billy is an ordinary man who has lived an extraordinary life. No matter how hopeless a situation may appear, his testimony is that there is always hope. I am so glad Billy's remarkable story is now in print, and cannot recommend it highly enough." -- Major Rhett Parkinson RE
"Gritty, punchy, brutally honest and very real. This is an incredible story of one man's journey through a living hell to redemption. Buy a copy, read it and give it to a mate." -- Carl Beech, General Director CVM
This is a well-written and engaging account of a remarkable life. -- John Gibbs * www.amazon.com *
"A compelling story" * The Church Times *
"This is a powerful book on a number of levels ... A great book to give to non-Christian men too!" * Evangelicals Now *
`The contrast of the love of God in his new life with the darkness of his past is wonderful, and his honesty about the struggles of his new Christian life are very welcome.' -- Heather Tomlinson * Christianity *



Book Information
ISBN 9780857212559
Author Billy Gilvear
Format Paperback
Page Count 208
Imprint Monarch Books
Publisher SPCK Publishing
Weight(grams) 224g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 130mm * 17mm