In 1984, Mike Cary, a mental health nurse in Norwich, attended the Mission England crusades at Carrow Road stadium where American evangelist Dr. Billy Graham spoke. At the time, Mike was living in a room at the YMCA, struggling with unemployment and feeling ashamed of the mess he had made of his life. Despite attending church occasionally, he had little understanding of Christianity. After seeking guidance at Norwich Cathedral, he decided to attend the Mission England meetings at Carrow Road, where Billy Graham’s message centered on Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Mike made a momentous decision to accept Jesus as his savior and Lord during the crusades, which changed his life for the better.
Following his decision at Mission England, Mike’s life gradually began to change. He reconnected with his parents and started rebuilding bridges that were broken due to his past actions. Despite being unemployed, he joined a Pentecostal fellowship in Norwich where he found love, support, and solid teaching. In 1987, after struggling to find work, a simple prayer from a visiting preacher resulted in Mike securing a part-time switchboard operator job at the Jobcentre. This job marked the beginning of a fulfilling career for Mike, as it led him to volunteer at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, eventually leading to training as a mental health nurse. His own past struggles proved invaluable in helping others rebuild their lives after traumatic experiences.
Forty years after the Mission England events and his decision to follow Jesus, Mike reflects on the impact it had on his life. He credits Billy Graham, Bernard Flint, and other volunteers for their role in making Mission England possible. Despite still considering himself a learner and disciple with much to learn, he remains grateful for the life-changing decision he made at Carrow Road in 1984. Mike’s story serves as a testament to the power of faith and how a single decision can lead to a transformative journey. If you have a personal story to share from the Mission England events in Norwich, you can contact Keith Morris for more information.
