Former drug dealer to share faith story at men's conference

Robert Ivey hopes that his experience of finding faith in God will give hope to men who desire to leave behind a life of alcohol, drugs and crime.

Ivey will share his story at the forthcoming National Band of Brothers Conference taking place on Saturday September 27 at Bethel Convention Centre in the West Midlands.

Two thousand men from across the UK are expected to attend the day long conference organised by the Men's Room, a Christian ministry which aims to help men become better husbands, fathers, and leaders.

Ivey explained, "Since I left school I've been involved in all kinds of things, gun crime, football hooliganism, drug dealing, drinking and violence. Although I believed in God, he didn't play a major role in my life, and I certainly wasn't looking for God when he came into my life ten months ago.

"However, since becoming a Christian, my life has changed for the better. My desires for the negative things in life have faded and I'm now focusing on being a better person so that I can be a more involved father and supportive loving partner.

"I want men to realise that being a Christian is a positive thing and that following Christian values enhances one's life."

Clive Lewis is the founder of the Men's Room and Chair of the REACH report, which called for the introduction of a national role modelling programme to raise expectations and counter negative portrayals of black men.

He commented, "Robert is a perfect example of what we want the Men's Room to achieve. We want to demonstrate how faith in God and support from the church can help men become better people and fulfil their calling to be better husbands, fathers and leaders in their community.

"I believe Robert's story will resonate with a lot of men, both young and old, churched and unchurched and highlight that it's never too late for a person to change their life direction and make a positive contribution to society."

Ivey is one of a number of speakers taking part in the National Band of Brothers conference. Other speakers include Health Minister Ivan Lewis, who will address mental health issues, Bishop Derek Webley MBE, a church leader who has been recognised for his work in his local community of Birmingham, and leadership specialist Rev Errol Williams.

The Men's Room was founded four years ago. As well as helping men to achieve their potential it also actively seeks ways to support some of the most vulnerable men in the black community. Projects it has undertaken include a mentoring service for young prison inmates and ex-offenders and partnering with Royal Courts of Justice to run a crime prevention scheme.

This year's conference will also seek to encourage delegates to play a greater role in combating some of society's pressing problems.