The Profile

He may have a science student (studying one enzyme in the broad bean plant), but even as a relatively young Christian, Eddie Arthur always sensed that God wanted him to be a missionary in a French-speaking nation. He'd assumed that meant somewhere in Europe. But it turned out God had something very different in mind. In this in-depth interview, Eddie explains how God called him and his wife to Ivory Coast in order to translate the New Testament into the Kouya language (something which had never been undertaken before). In opening up about the 12 year adventure with Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes, Eddie also reflects on world missions, the impact of Covid-19, and why the significant decisions he took during his tenure as CEO of Wycliffe Bible Translators were so controversial in some quarters.    The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for £4.95/month

It is a double bill this week as Rev Cindy Kent interviews music legend Sir Cliff Richard about why, despite everything, his faith has never been stronger, and how he's learned to forgive both his accuser and the BBC. In part two, Cara Bentley meets the Down's Syndrome campaigner Heidi Crowther who is taking the government to court, in an attempt to change the law around abortion.    You can also read the interview with Sir Cliff in Premier Christianity magazine.    The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for £4.95/month

Award–winning conservation expert Dr Simon Stuart is the newly-appointed Executive Director of the leading Christian conservation charity Arocha International. He talks to Justin Brierley about the tragic death of leading members of Arocha in a road accident in South Africa in 2019, and his own life as a Christian at the cutting edge of researching wildlife conservation. For Arocha International: https://www.arocha.org The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for £4.95/month

Skip Heitzig, pastor of Calvary Church in Albuquerque and author of the new book ‘Biography of God’ joins Justin Brierley.  They chat about Skip’s journey of faith, pastoring a megachurch through a pandemic, and his new book which aims to show sceptics, saints and seekers the true character of the biblical God. The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for £4.95/month 

The poet and podcaster Joshua Luke Smith tells Sam Hailes about his upbringing in Croydon and Pakistan, how he overcame the "triple threat" childhood diagnosis of dyspraxia, ADHD and dyslexia and why he wants to be "a merchant of mystery". The son of missionary parents, Joshua is now based in Bath and releases music with Orphan No More. While admitting he no longer resonates with the 'charismatic evangelical' brand of Christianity he was raised with, and says his Christianity is "evolving", he also holds fond memories of the faith he was raised in. In this wide-ranging interview, Joshua talks about the tension between making art and paying the bills, explains how he met his wife, and opens up about the journey he's been on in understanding racism in the UK.    The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for £4.95/month

Two of the worship leaders behind the hugely popular worship song 'The Blessing' talk to the Premier Christianity magazine team about the story behind the song. Kari Jobe co-wrote 'The Blessing' with her husband, while Tim Hughes organised the popular UK cover version of the song, which went viral in May and has subsequently had millions more views on YouTube. In part one, Megan Cornwell hears Kari's testimony, and discovers how the singer has learned to praise God in tough times. In part two, Tim Hughes tells Sam Hailes how the popular cover version came together.    Click here to read Megan Cornwell's interview with Kari Jobe in Premier Christianity magazine   The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for £4.95/month

Robert Glover OBE and his wife, Liz, have spent several decades working in China to establish its first ever adoption programme, in which they've seen over 1 million children taken out of State-run orphanages and placed within loving families, many of them Christian. In this in-depth interview the couple share remarkable stories of the children whose lives have been changed thanks to their work, as well as the miraculous ways God has made straight their paths as they've sought to follow his lead.   The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for £4.95/month

Paul Cowley was behind bars at the age of 15. In the years since then, he's served in the army, become a Christian and has even been awarded an MBE for his services to ex-offenders. He's also pioneered the Alpha course in prisons. No wonder his autobiography is entitled Thief, Prisoner, Soldier, Priest. In this in depth interview, Rachel Matthews finds out more about Paul's fascinating and varied life story.   The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for £4.95/month

It was a prophetic word given at Soul Survivor which inspired Gemma Hunt to pursue a career in the media. In this in depth interview with Premier's Ruth Jackson, Gemma opens up about her fascinating career, how a poor relationship choice affected her faith and why 'being silly' is the key to working well with children. In part two, Premier's Simon Tuck sits down with the MOBO award winning artist Faith Child to talk about his music, and how he's coped following his father passing away from Covid-19 earlier this year. The rapper also reveals his influences and tells stories about how his music has changed people's lives for the better.  You can also read our interview with Gemma Hunt in the latest issue of Premier Christianity magazine. The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for £4.95/month

The Big Daddy Weave frontman Mike Weaver speaks to Premier's Simon Tuck about his life and faith, and how God has sustained him and the rest of the band through hard times and illness. Mike's brother Jay who plays bass in the band nearly died in 2016, and had to be rushed to hospital where he had both feet amputated. The band are one of the most popular Christian groups in the world right now. And in this interview, Mike reflects on his childhood, upbringing and the lessons God is teaching him. The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for £4.95/month