This is the extraordinary story of Derrick’s career and family life, detailing his time in the UK police force, exposure to some of the darkest and most evil aspects of human nature, and then beyond to a second calling into full-time pastoring.
An interesting read through a policing career, spent both on the beat and as a part of a CID team. The many stories of life as a policeman give a flavour of what it entails, but more importantly how God’s protection works through in all situations, some of them quite miraculous.
The police force is clearly a difficult environment in which to maintain faith, with exposure to life-threatening situations, an endless stream of people at crisis point, as well as the working culture that was geared towards “letting off steam”. But he did come through it, reading between the lines perhaps carried through by a persistent wife, as well as a God who really did not want to let go.
In policing you are exposed to the very worst aspects of life, some of it hideously evil. It is no surprise that this can result in serious mental health issues. I just hope the police force are better now at recognising and dealing with it, than they were 30 or so years ago.
Derrick knew that there was more in store after the policing finished, and his and Ann’s ministry took a different direction. A move into working for a church brought about a new and fulfilling time.
There are amazing testimonies of God’s miraculous healing and salvation stemming from their service to the Church. A reminder that God is never finished with us. He always has something more.
Above all this is a story of how God has faithfully nurtured Derrick and Ann, His hand guiding them through life’s twists and turns. Ever-present and always working for good.
Vice Cop To Vicar, by Derrick and Ann Wilks, is available here.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher, Malcolm Down Publishing, but was under no pressure to provide a favourable review.
