A national debt counselling charity working through a network of centres based in local churches, offering hope and a solution to anyone in debt. Since 2000 they have been winning business awards- to name recent awards: in 2006 won Centre for Social Justice Awards, 2007 Charity Times Awards: Best Charity to Work for, In 2008 and 2009 won The Sunday Times: Best Small Company to Work for

How?

Unique, in-depth service with hands on’ approach which empowers people to help themselves out of poverty and be released from the fear, oppression and worry generated by overwhelming debts, and providing sustainable poverty relief as they teach clients vital budgeting skills that will last a lifetime.

How did it start?

In 1996 John and Lizzie Kirkby set out on a faith adventure as John felt God call him to give up his successful career in the finance industry to do what he could to help the poor and needy in his home town of Bradford. He devised simple budgeting systems that allowed people to reduce their debt whilst living a decent life.

Why?

THE EFFECTS OF DEBT (Information taken from CAP client questionnaires)

67% missed meals with 22% doing so regularly.
80% lived in fear.
6% attempted suicide with 34% considering suicide.
69% visited their GP as a result of debt with 41% being prescribed medication.
39% said debt caused arguments, with another 17% saying debt led to their relationship breakdown.

CAP aims to show God’s love in action by providing sustainable poverty relief through debt counselling, advice and practical help. CAP is an avenue to share the life transforming faith in Jesus Christ and see people’s lives changed. 2,500 references to money in the bible – many struggle to manage it and have the right attitude towards it.

Isaiah 58 v 10

do away with the yoke of oppression …spend yourselves on behalf of the hungry…satisfy the needs of the oppressed,

Proverbs 8 v 1-11

Does not wisdom call out…besides the gates leading into the city…raise my voice to all mankind. You who are simple gain prudence; you who are foolish gain understanding…listen, for I have worthy things to say, I open my lips to speak what is right. Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her”

How can you I find out more?

1. Firstly find out more from; http://www.capuk.org/

-Read “Nevertheless” by John Kirkby based on his personal diary, it will encourage you that God is able to do great things through ordinary men and women, just like you, who are willing to step out in faith and 'only believe'. John felt the call from God to give up his career in finance and start Christians Against Poverty. Free copy by going onto the website where also find out more capuk.org.uk

2. Become a Life Changer – contribute regularly to work of CAP as relies on donations to support a team of about 30 people who work relentlessly to make a budget, deal with creditors, liase with CAP centre managers to help clients get themselves out of debt.

3. Consider opening a CAP centre in your church – see how it can fit into a church’s ministry and outreach

4. Run CAP Money Courses – train as CAP Money coach - 3 week budgeting skills course suitable for everyone whether you think you are good at budgeting or not- it’s simple accessible & designed for ordinary people whether a millionaire or a single parent. The CAP money system is amazing and the process is fantastic! Based on using Cash/ regular payments/ savings. (Focus on the family, Care for the family)

So far and future Vision

To answer the national problem of debt in the UK by having at least one CAP centre operating in every major town and city by the year 2015.

By next week there will be 150 CAP centres open, 40,000 people will have been helped in 14 years. By 2015 vision to see 500 fully equipped centres.

700 churches will be running CAP Money courses, 2700 people trained as money Coaches, this year alone 75 new churches have been partnering with CAP Money

By next year 1000 people will be helped and hundreds of people will discover a new life in Jesus as a result.

Local CAP centre
Hope Baptist Church
Peverell Corner,
Plymouth
CAP Centre manager: Patrick Down
CAP debt advisor: Stuart Ryall

If you would like more information please contact Hope Baptist Church Tel:- 01752 708090

If you are struggling with debt and feel you need some help or advice call free on 0800 328 0006