Cheers for Pastor Bob

The East Lancashire Community Church has moved its base from a Blackburn house to The Barge Inn, on Audley Range.

The building's owner, Blackburn councillor Yusuf Virmani, is in the process of applying for planning permission to change the use to a conference centre and restaurant.

But in the meantime it is being used by Pastor Bob Bennison, whose group of fellow worshippers plan to continue holding Sunday night sessions there if Coun Virmani is given the go-ahead.

Blackburn-born Bob, 'saved' into the church after years of drug abuse, says the East Lancashire Community Church is 'free' - which means it is not linked to any one denomination.

He added: "We had a house group of thirty but the group outgrew the space. "There are a lot of groups similar to us of about 50 to 200 people who meet in cinemas, pubs, old army barracks and houses."

Born again Christian groups like the East Lancashire Community Church do not follow the same rules, restrictions and ceremony as traditional denominations. But Bob is keen to emphasise that there is nothing sinister about the organisation.

He admits that events like the church's 'healing sessions' might seem alien to outsiders but says members are working on behalf of Jesus, not themselves.

A list of people who have been healed includes those with angina, cancer, drug addiction and alcoholism."

He adds: "Our job as Christians is to continue what Jesus did. People will always be wary of anything new.

"There are bad organisations, history proves that with events like Waco. But there are no men in white suits. Jesus does the healing."

This week the church has hosted two-hour play sessions for local youngsters as well as services.

Coun Virmani, who also owns Jan's Garage, said: "It is better to have the building occupied than empty while we are waiting for permission to change its use."

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