Blown Away: From Drug Dealer to Life Bringer by Mick Fleming  

Readable, thought provoking, and deeply moving account of the journey of faith of Mick Fleming, the pastor of Church on the Street in Burnley  

Blown Away: From Drug Dealer to Life Bringer 
Foreword by HRH The Prince of Wales
By Pastor Mick Fleming 
SPCK 
ISBN No: 978-0-281-08663-4 
Reviewed By: Jo Regan 

 
The Revd Mick Fleming, or ‘Pastor Mick’ as he likes to be called, is a remarkable character. He is pastor of Church on the Street which describes itself as, ‘A faith in action charity that, through the light of Jesus Christ, lifts people out of poverty while providing a space for worship. Based in Burnley and across the North West, COTS is a place where everyone‘s welcome – no matter who you are.’ It is a charity that works with the homeless and those struggling with addiction.  

In his book Blown Away Pastor Mick tells his own journey of faith. He talks about his start in life and how he suffered sexual abuse as a young child. Threatened that if he told anyone about his ordeal that they would be killed, Mick was left frightened and confused.

His emotions were further escalated the morning after by being given the awful news that his sister had been murdered. As his distraught father brought them the news the piercing cry from his anguished mother reverberated off the walls, hitting him with yet another full body blow.

Mick says that he knew that he could not tell or share his own traumatic event. Instead, he was left feeling even more isolated and with none of the comfort that he needed and indeed craved. His reaction was to numb the pain by taking some of his mum’s painkillers. This was the coping mechanism that led his life on a downward spiral of addiction and pain. A life that was violent and full of anger. 

So how does someone who was a notorious underground ‘fixer’ who spent time in a psychiatric hospital come to faith? What happens when Mick meets the man who abused him? To know more about this remarkable transformation, you will have to read the book. 
 
Blown Away is colloquial, and somewhat chaotic in style, but is a good reflection of a chaotic lifestyle and the trauma that often lies beneath addiction which so often goes hand in hand with those who have lived a life of substance misuse. It is very readable, thought provoking, and deeply moving.  

It is a book of hope that clearly demonstrates the love, forgiveness, grace, and transformation found through giving our lives to Christ. Pastor Mick’s testimony has great impact. A book to pass on to those trapped in addiction and for those of us who want to learn more.  

For more information on Church on the Street and Pastor Mick’s remarkable work check out their website.
 

The Revd Jo Regan is a Baptist minister and occasional blogger