The Commission Files

If faith is to mean anything, you have to put it to work.  Belfast YMCA has just celebrated 175 years of work, from the initial Victorian vision, through two World Wars and Northern Ireland's own Troubles, to a present where our society is still very divided.  Director Chris Cupples tells Will about their origins and current programmes.  And former Youth Director, Joe Campbell explains the compelling story how their Youth Club during the Troubles became a beacon of safety and hope,  in a dark and divided city.

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Produced by Commission Christian Radio

Will welcomes the celebrated singer songwriter Eilidh Patterson to Studio 2 at Commission just in time for Christmas!  Click play for a musical journey of Folk, Americana, and Faith, as Eilidh tells her story of success, setback, and renewal. You'll hear plenty of her music, and enjoy her singing live in the studio!

* All music and lyrics in this episode are by Eilidh Paterson, and are used with permission.

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Join Will and his guest for a remarkable insight into life as a chaplain in the Armed Forces.  Rev James Burnett from Belfast is a chaplain in the Royal Naval Reserve.  Known as "Bish" or "Padre", whilst on deployment he regularly hears serving men and women ask why they rarely meet any Christians.  This is his mission field. And his wish is that church life could be like the bonds he finds among serving men and women.  "We few - we band of brothers..."

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One to enjoy without the younger kids listening - because we're dealing with how to teach our young people about love and sex.  Judith Cairns from Love for Life joins Will to explain their work in schools, churches and the community.  There's no doubt the issue is complex and nuanced.  Jude talks candidly about the times they are challenged or misunderstood, sometimes deliberately misunderstood - both outside and inside the Church.

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In a special extra episode, Belfast man Gerry Blain tells Will his own life story, a story of turning away from God, and of being one of the worst-behaved  Bible study group members imaginable!  But God called Gerry back to Himself.  His witness ever since has impacted the lives of many others.  

This interview was arranged at Gerry's request, when he knew his life was coming to an end.  With his family's blessing, we're releasing it now, in the days immediately following his death. Gerry's work in this life is finished. His story is preserved here.  Have a listen.

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Lisa Keys is the Chief Officer of Boys Brigade Northern Ireland  An experienced business leader, she has steered the organisation through a major change as it began to work in partnership with, rather than as part of, the BB in Great Britain.  BB NI now has hundreds of companies with thousands of volunteer leaders. In an era when society is re-examining the way we bring up our boys and young men, Lisa tells Will how they are making a difference - with a programme rooted specifically in the Bible.

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David Blevins is the Senior Ireland Correspondent for Sky News, but is spending most of 2025 seconded to cover the biggest news stories happening in the United States.  He's been a News Journalist for more than 30 years.  In a fascinating interview he tells Will how he carries his faith with him.  And he makes a plea for listening to others without rushing to judgement. In a world of full stops, he says, we need more commas...

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"A peaceful, friendly, calm place".  That's how Dr Angie Minion describes The Big House, "a place to discover more of God's love".  She's joined by counsellor, Katie Mounstephen, as they explain their work, which also includes pastoral support, youth sessions, and residentials. A place founded from a vision, a vision which came from a moment of healing after years of waiting and praying.  Here's the story...

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   Will meets Daniel Jackson of The Genesis Network - which offers support to Ireland's people of business.  Can you imagine a marketplace transformed by Christ in an era of instability and uncertainty?  A time many describe as "permacrisis"?  Can you imagine business and political leaders meeting together over breakfast to pray for our island, north and south?  It's already happening - and Daniel explains how.

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    How do you begin to get a grip on the conflict in the Middle East?  Gaza?  Israel? Death and Suffering? What do you pray for?  Do you pick a side?  Will has been meeting Safa Hijazeen, Tearfund's Regional Director with responsibility for the Middle East.  He's a man tasked with doing all that can be done for anyone who needs help, food, clothing, or medical treatment. In this shorter interview, Safa explains that whatever we are called to do, or wherever we serve - we are called to remember God's image, in us...

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Produced by Commission Christian Radio