By Bernadette Ocampo
J.John’s long awaited television series Facing the Canon was aired for the first time on UCB TV in November 2010. During the series, J.John interviewed various individuals about their lives, their hopes and what it is that has shaped their values.
The series started with J.John interviewing former model Mandy Smith. Mandy Smith is well-known for having had a colourful teenage life. As a ‘wild-child’, she not only pursued a career in modelling and singing but was in a relationship with a member of the Rolling Stones, Bill Wyman, from the age of fourteen.
Mandy talked with J.John about her childhood and the lack of a father figure as a role model for herself and her sister, Nicola, as they grew up in London, and how she took on the responsibility of ‘being mother’ at a very young age when her mother suddenly fell ill. Mandy spoke about her relationship with Bill and her own ill-health, her headline-grabbing past, which lasted ten years,and how rediscovering God, in 2005, saved her life. For someone who had been in the limelight at such a young age, many people who meet Mandy now know nothing about her past.
Mandy is now living in Manchester with her sister and her son, Max. She is a committed follower of Christ and mentors young girls to nurture and encourage them in their own journeys.
J.John interviewed Charles Foster, explorer, writer, theologian, barrister and lecturer in medical law and ethics at Oxford University. Charles always wondered, ‘what are we doing on this planet?’ He went on expeditions to find out and then encountered the great ‘I Am’.
J.John conversed with Wm Paul Young, bestselling author of The Shack, on what inspired him to write the book, about life, disappointments, hopes, insights and faith, and the pain he carried over many years and how he dealt with it. Paul recounted how he found peace in his marriage to Kim and the great price she had to pay in their relationship.
Then J.John talked with his most unique and eccentric friend, Canon Andrew White, more commonly known as ‘the Vicar of Baghdad’ where he works in one of the most dangerous cities in the world. Canon Andrew shared the dangers and challenges that he faces each day in such a city and what helps him do the work that he does.
Dr R.T. Kendall was also interviewed as J.John’s favourite bible teacher, the former Minister of Westminster Chapel, London for twenty-five years and author of over fifty books. Dr R.T. Kendall is astute, wise and discerning and knows how to navigate the Bible.
And, lastly, Dr Michael Ramsden, Director of the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics. Refreshingly intriguing, Michael explained why he engages with questions and objections about the Christian faith that others find hard to grapple with.
The second series of Facing the Canon is due to be aired on UCB TV in Spring 2011. J.John will be in conversation with:
• Nigel Mumford, Director of Healing Ministries, in Greenwich, New York where he teaches and ministers Christ’s healing.
• Bishop David Pytches, former Bishop of Chile, Bolivia and Peru. He was also vicar of St Andrew’s, Chorleywood and is the founder of the New Wine conferences with his wife, Mary.
• Julie Sheldon, former ballerina and author of Dancer Off Her Feet, about the remarkable story of her career with the Royal Ballet which was brought to a sudden end by a crippling disease and her miraculous recovery.
• Rachel Gardner, Director of Romance Academy, a nationwide sex and relationships education initiative run by youth workers. She is also remembered for her part in the BBC’s No Sex Please We’re Teenagers series which challenged twelve teenagers to remain celibate for 5 months.
• Rob Lilwall, author of Cycling Home From Siberia, the story of when he cycled back to London from Siberia via China, Australia and Afghanistan. His incredible story is documented not only in his book but in a TV series by the National Geographic Channel.
• Jackie Pullinger, widely recognised for her work amongst prostitutes and drug addicts in the walled city of Hong Kong, and author of Chasing the Dragon.
• Tim Saiet, a former Marine and once an influential magician, is now is an Anglican vicar who uses illusions to communicate God’s Truth.
Tune in to UCB TV and be inspired by these individuals’ lives.
For further news and updates on Facing the Canon visit the websites www.philotrust.com or www.ucb.co.uk.
Bernadette Ocampo
PA to J.John
