Picture of Thief, Prisoner, Soldier, Priest

Thief, Prisoner, Soldier, Priest

By Paul Cowley with Amanda Cowley

He Discovered God’s Hope in the Midst of Despair

‘A much-needed reminder that love wins and hope prevails’ Pete Greig

A great book for anyone seeking powerful testimonies of redemption. Paul Cowley shares his story of seeking purpose in all the wrong places. Now working with rehabilitated prisoners, Paul’s book reflects his heart for second chances

Paul Cowley grew up in Manchester amid the chaotic world of his alcoholic parents. His early exposure to heavy drinking, explosive arguments and the unnerving aggression of his father led him into homelessness and crime. By seventeen he was behind bars.

Years later, following a career in the army which ‘made a man of him’ yet ultimately failed to give him direction and purpose, Paul’s search for meaning resulted in an unexpected encounter with God that changed his life for ever.

This remarkable and touching account of his early years, from thief to prisoner, soldier and, eventually, priest, should inspire anyone who feels their life is out of control. It is, by turns, a dramatic, traumatic and comic story, yet one that stands as a testament to how God offers hope to all who have the courage to respond.

This book is also available as an ebook and in audio.

Product details:

  • Author: Paul Cowley with Amanda Cowley
  • English Paperback
  • Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
  • Published: April 2020
  • Weight: 357g
  • Number of Pages: 254
  • Thickness: 22 mm
  • Height: 233 mm
  • Width: 152 mm
  • ISBN: 9781529303766
In stock
RRP: £14.99
£14.00

About the author

Paul Cowley was born in Manchester where both his parents were alcoholics and his home life was filled with verbal and physical abuse. At the age of 15 he left home to live on the streets and became involved in crime which led to prison. At the age of 21 he enlisted into the Army and over the following 17 years did several tours in Northern Ireland and served in the Falklands campaign. In 1994, after being an atheist for almost 38 years, he attended Alpha and became a Christian. He is passionate about caring for people both inside prison and on their release. In 2002 he was ordained priest into the Church of England, and in 2005 he founded the charity ‘Caring for Ex-Offenders’ which helps men and women reintegrate back into society. In 2016 Paul was awarded the MBE from Her Majesty the Queen for ‘Services to Ex-Offenders’. Finding Hope: Paul Cowley tells his compelling story