The dinner meeting at the Holiday Inn this month had an unusual twist. Instead of our guest speaker telling their story our speaker this month was interviewed. Peter Wynn, who is a professional landscape gardener and also a trained chef, was interviewed about his former life as part of the criminal scene in Liverpool in the 1980's & 1990's.
Peter gave a graphic description of his early life as part of a family of eight and his entry into petty theft and gang culture. His story went on to reveal how he progressed to drug dealing and became part of the 'rave' scene, with heavy drinking and violence. This culminated with a conviction for murder and a life sentence in gaol.
Whilst in gaol Peter was introduced to the ALPHA course via a lady who was convinced that he was going to be a man of God. The ALPHA course changed Peter's life around. He became a Christian through going on the courses in different prisons and was eventualy released from prison after a term of fourteen years.
Peter, now happily married and with a family, has his own business as a landscape gardener and is also the manager of the 'Scouse Monk' cafe in Ellesmere Port. In this role Peter, as well as feeding customers, he minister to those who are in less favourable circumstances.
So where does the term 'Scouse Monk' come from. It was Peter's nick name (behind his back, of course) after he became a Christian in Prison. Little did they know that God would use this title in a mighty way.
Peter gave a graphic description of his early life as part of a family of eight and his entry into petty theft and gang culture. His story went on to reveal how he progressed to drug dealing and became part of the 'rave' scene, with heavy drinking and violence. This culminated with a conviction for murder and a life sentence in gaol.
Whilst in gaol Peter was introduced to the ALPHA course via a lady who was convinced that he was going to be a man of God. The ALPHA course changed Peter's life around. He became a Christian through going on the courses in different prisons and was eventualy released from prison after a term of fourteen years.
Peter, now happily married and with a family, has his own business as a landscape gardener and is also the manager of the 'Scouse Monk' cafe in Ellesmere Port. In this role Peter, as well as feeding customers, he minister to those who are in less favourable circumstances.
So where does the term 'Scouse Monk' come from. It was Peter's nick name (behind his back, of course) after he became a Christian in Prison. Little did they know that God would use this title in a mighty way.