Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

As the title of this 2004 release suggests, this is the testimony of North Yorkshire singer/songwriter John Gaughan. As an up and coming musician in his late teens, Gaughan was a member of multi-million sellers Herman's Hermits but led a life increasingly dependant on alcohol. Within a relatively short period of time, he became a broken man and attempted to kill himself by throwing himself from an attic window only to survive with horrific injuries. Living the life of a recluse amidst the haze of his addiction, he was visited by a local church man who told him about Jesus. As he gave his life to the Lord, a miraculous restoration took place with broken bones incurred as a result of his suicide attempt being healed and deliverance from his acute alcoholism. The majority of this release is made up of Gaughan's testimony through spoken word and his honesty, humility and warmth make for compelling and affecting listening. Peppered throughout are four of Gaughan's songs which, although not of the highest production or musical standard, showcase the man's rugged voice and adequately complement and support the message contained within his testimony. More care could have been taken when producing the CD as there are track gaps at the start of the songs where the spoken word should bleed into the song but this does not take away from the fact that this a valuable and powerful tool that can be used by people ministering to those suffering from alcohol addiction.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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