A 21st century prodigal visited Westgate Chapel in Pembroke last week to tell his amazing story.

Rod Williams is a 21st century prodigal who lives and works in Widnes.

He developed a gambling addiction that, in turn, led him into drug dealing.

His tragic descent finally came to an end when he was sentenced to more than six years imprisonment. But, thankfully, that was not the end of the story because Rod came to his senses when he had a powerful encounter with God, and as a result he now works for CAP (Christians against Poverty).

"We had an amazing weekend", Pastor Rob James explained.

"We started with a meal in 'The Courtyard Deli' on Saturday night when Rod told a rapt audience just how low he had sunk, and how thrilled he is now that he is able to help others.

"Sunday was just as exciting when Rod introduced the church to the work of CAP and told us some really encouraging stories of what God is doing in and through this wonderful organisation.

"I was keen to bring Rod and his father Chris to Pembroke because theirs is such an intriguing story," continued Rob.

"It's not that often that you get the chance to meet a former convict whose father was a police inspector and whose sister was a warder in the prison where he served his sentence!

"Chris Williams is an old friend and I know just how traumatic it was for him at the time. It is thrilling to see what God has done for them all.

"It's good to have some good news to share for a change," he remarked.

Rob enthusiastically endorsed the CAP debt counselling service which is one of the few, free charitable organisations helping some of the UK's very poorest.

He continued: "If anyone wants to know more about CAP they could contact me at the church ([email protected]">[email protected]) or they could contact CAP direct.

"They could visit http://www.capuk.org">www.capuk.org, email [email protected]">[email protected] or telephone 01274 760720.

"I trust CAP completely. It recently secured the title of 'Debt Counsellor of the Year' and has been described as "an amazing organisation" by money expert Martin Lewis during an interview on the Jeremy Vine programme on BBC Radio 2," added Rob.