Thomas Machen |
Breakout |
Thomas Machen.
Director of Music Ministries Asbury United Methodist Church Maitland, Florida. Formerly Founder and Artistic Director of the Memphis Vocal Arts Ensemble and Director of Opera at Memphis State University. To Whom It May Concern: Recently, I had the great pleasure of meeting Stephen Howell. Mutual friends took us to a concert and en route Steve and I conversed just getting to know each other. When I asked what he did I was fascinated to learn he spent his life helping young people to find their way in the world and to understand their circumstances and difficulties. I heard such practical information and reasonable solutions and all through a loving Christian point of view, I had to hear more. Steve very generously arranged to meet with me twice during a very busy time for him as he prepared leave the Orlando area to return to the UK. My son lives in another state and has had great difficulties not unlike others of his age but severe enough that I fear for his wellbeing. He is Type One diabetic and is living a “frat boy” lifestyle, most likely destroying his health in the process. He is at the end of his rope, and after being expelled from school then arrested for DUI and wrecking his car while destroying public property, he faces consequences that could change his life for the worse. Steve presented to me a new paradigm which he calls Rethink. Steve is well-spoken and possesses an easy understanding of people and their state of mind. He seems always to have the right word to share. His program is easily understood and immediately applicable at least to my relationship with my son. I thank God for placing Steve in my life’s path. Sincerely, Thomas Machen. Director of Music Ministries A Grateful ParentA grateful ParentIn 2011 my older son was arrested and thrown into an overcrowded prison which was situated in a different State to where I was living. My son was 31 years of age and had previously been in trouble for similar offences. If my son was convicted he was looking at a very long time in prison. I was also single, lived on a budget and there was no money to help me get to him, nor was there any money to pay his bail should one be granted to him. To add to a very serious and stressful situation, he had medical issues. I had no idea who to call for help or where to start.
I had met Steve Howell through a Christian Organization a couple of years ago, and we became very good friends. He lived in England, but I thought I would email him as he was a former police officer and had worked for many years with youth and young adults. I thought he could at least give me some advice. Steve gave me more than advice, he gave me my son back, he was a Godsend. After many telephone calls, emails and Skype meeting with me, police and authorities Steve located my son, called the prison and checked on his medical status. Through Steve’s participation and mediation, he was able to find criminal rehabilitation initiatives. Steve negotiated with police and law enforcement agencies to allow my son to straighten out his life on one of these initiatives instead of doing a long jail time. Steve spoke with the District Attorney's office and found a wonderful man who headed up a Government initiative called: The Pre-Trial Initiative Program. After helping my son to validate his suitability for the program to the District Attorney’s office, Steve found a Bonds person in the same State to help us and negotiate my son’s release and adaptation of his release to allow him to come home which is in another State. Steve's ability to touch people, negotiate with people and bring about sensible solutions is extraordinary. I would certainly recommend Steve’s expertise in these areas to everyone. Remember also, this was done through email, Skype and phone calls, not in person, not to mention overseas. He truly has a gift. Sincerely, a grateful parent. |
I have had the pleasure of knowing Steve for six years, firstly through meeting at Church and then when Steve through his organisation offered my wife Nicole and I the chance to work in our area delivering a course called “Leap”.
Steve as a person is amazingly generous, trustworthy and kind. He always considers everyone else in all he does which is why Nicole and I are so proud to count him as a valued friend. His generosity goes beyond his friends, he has for nearly two years been travelling from Birmingham to Yeldall Manor in Berkshire to deliver coaching and mentoring sessions and Bible studies for no charge whatsoever. I believe he saw it as his calling to do and has gone on to change the lives and way of thinking for countless men who where addicted to drink or drugs. His perception to pick up on peoples concerns, habits or worries is so amazing. This allows him to quickly challenge their thinking and change their lives for the better. I have seen him build Rethink up from its birth into what I believe is a course like no other in the world, its so different from anything else and is delivered so well by him, his skills acquired over many years from different quarters give him unprecedented knowledge. Any company, organisation or church that hirers Steve to deliver Rethink will not only get value for money, they will be enhancing the future of those who attend with Steve’s forward thinking approach, this in turn will add value to the hirers organisation. Not only do we count Steve as a valued friend, we see him as a man with real talents and business flair and an amazing life changing product. I would be happy to provide a verbal reference if required. Adrian Laws Director of Breakout Yeldall ManorSteve Howell has been delivering life coaching and Life skills training, Rethink, both in a group and in a one to one settings at Yeldall Manor for the past decade. In this time, he has proven himself to be a dedicated, punctual, and a caring individual with great insight and a passion to help people take more control over their thinking and
lives. In the years that Steve has been with us we have seen many people benefit from his teaching and guidance. The following are a number of statements from residents at Yeldall that have appreciated Steve and his Rethink initiative. Kevin B I have been to many groups and found the style of Steve’s groups to be well put together and very helpful. However, the thing that was most helpful was the one to one spiritual encounter that Steve did, as it helped me let go of things from my past. Simon R Steve was always positive and engaging, passionate about his faith and most importantly genuinely interested in each resident. Marcos L Steve is an amazing guy. He reaches out to people on a personal level and has amazing insight into addicts thinking and behaviour. His sessions are rewarding and thought provoking and also brings a strong spiritual element to the groups at times. Richard C Steve consistently challenged my thinking which has led to fundamental changes in my life and recovery. Steve is a role model to me. His humility and compassion has disarmed me many times. Yours sincerely Daniel Head Programme Leader |
BACYP
Your browser does not support viewing this document. Click here to download the document.
Thank you...We was so blessed to have Steve bring Rethink into our Home Church in Stoke Sub Hamdon. The teaching was more than just encouraging, it was life-changing, and all Christians need to hear it. All backed up by Scripture! We had a wonderful day, it simply passed too quickly, I know there is so much more. Myself and many of our Home Church are travelling to Locking Church for more this coming Saturday. Thank you Steve for bringing this and for your support and encouragement for Home Church. God bless
Alan Terry. |
Yeldall ManorYeldall Manor is a Christian Drug and Alcohol Rehab in Berkshire. The team from Rethink have played an important role in equipping men to be able to change their thinking and behaviour. The Life Skills Training which is offered to our residents on our second stage
( Resettlement ) programme, has been invaluable in helping men to overcome their addictions, by encouraging them to keep their focus. Rethink allows anyone the opportunity to learn about themselves, and to identify ways in which they can change for the better. The commitment of Steve and his team, and the challenge that Rethink presents, has greatly benefitted our residents. The training and coaching that Rethink offers strongly encourages self-awareness. This has enabled many men here at Yeldall Manor to manage their thoughts, rather than acting on their emotions. The outcome of this has been that men have become stronger in their individual rehabilitation. And, by approaching life differently, many of our residents have become able to restore and maintain key relationships. We are very grateful for the groups which have been run here for a number of years now. The benefits of the Rethink Training are enormous, and we can highly recommend Rethink to any organisation that values its staff or clients. Simon Cross Resettlement & Aftercare Manager Yeldall Manor. |