Christian's Against Poverty...just WOW!

marksta

I've just finished our first meeting with Christian's Against Poverty and want to share just how fabulous their service is.

I was brought up to consider debt to be a terrible reflection of your persona. Debts were run up by people with no morals, no sense of economy or thriftyness. So when I found myself in debt, I felt so ashamed. I felt like I had failed. I certainly hadn't run it by living a lavish lifestyle; I just wanted to go to work and pay my way; but after a few pieces of misfortune for my wife and I, things began to run out of control. I was working two jobs and selling everything I owed but still received 10-15 phonecalls a day from various creditors. My marriage was at breaking point and I was falling ill (I had a brain haemorrhage when I was 14 which I still struggle to cope with 13 years on)

So a couple of weeks ago I contacted Christian's Against Poverty - I had nothing else left in me to try. I felt like a failure.

The chap that came round was called Graham - he was an absolute gentleman! I'd hate to do his job; having to go into people's homes, not all as welcoming or as easy to talk to as us, and go through their finances without judgement or critisism but apparently he absolutely loves it. He said that the CAP have saved people from suicide, so knowing that alone is enough for him to do the work he does.

He has written down all our details and all the debts (worked out it's £20,000 of unsecured debt!!!) and will take them away and work out first of all our monthly essentials (food, petrol, medicine) which is ringfenced so that the banks can't help themselves. Then the priority debt (mortgage, council tax, utilities) then secondary debts (credit cards, overdrafts, loans). While the bank would put their debt as priority, CAP work differently. Once they work out a budget - they get us to sign it then we just pay them once a month! The rest of the money is ours for our own needs. The CAP head office distribute our money on our behalf and spend all day contacting creditors and getting interest and charges stopped. He predicts with our income, it may take about 3 or 4 years to clear the debts (which is a lot quicker than I though!); although this is a rough prediction and subject to change.

He's also given me a card with a script on to keep with me to read to the people who keep ringing us up. Basically reading "we are in touch with Christians Against Poverty, who will be contacting you in due course, please do not phone again"

He then asked if he could pray for us which was a bit wierd at first (I haven't prayed since school) but you could tell he was so passionate in what he was saying that it was hard not to be taken up in the moment. He prayed for our health and happiness, and for the health of our marriage. He stressed that there is no obligation to talk about religion other than him telling us why he does it. I'm not a religious man, but that was no problem for him.

So my wife and I feel elated; a sense of direction and a light at the end of the tunnel. Next week he will be returning with a sample budget (subject to change as the negotiation with our creditors takes place) so we'll be able to budget properly.

I wholeheartedly recommend people talk to the CAP Organisation. They are wonderful.

Thank you.

Mark

HHH_2

that's fantastic news. I think many people will agree with you about the feelings of faliure associated with being in debt. I have found CCCS equally helpful and non judgemental. you will have peace of mind, enough to live on ( albeit no fancy cars and holidays) but you will also feel good about paying your debts. good luck on your debt free journey.

mogchops

That is really good to hear, I am so glad they have helped you and made you feel so much more positive!