Chris and Debbie Girdler are a lifeline to many. Through their combined writing gifts, whether in print or through song, they share hope and encouragement far and wide. Having fostered over 25 children, they also have very big hearts and a deep passion for reaching others with testimonies that offer hope and new beginnings.
Our second Crosslink Plymouth gathering took place on Friday 26th September at the BeefEater Restaurant with Chris and Debbie as guest speakers. It was good to welcome believers from across business, church and community life, to enjoy a morning of good food, fellowship and encouragement.
The meeting was hosted by Chris Cole, co-founder of Cornerstone Vision and a long-time voice in Christian media. Reflecting on the vision behind Crosslink Plymouth, Chris shared: “This is about creating space where people are seen, valued and free to share their story. Networking in the Kingdom is not about control or competition, it’s about recognising the pearls of great price in each other’s journeys.”
Ian Pilkington, Cornerstone Vision Managing Director, added: “My own story shows how God can meet us in the ordinary things of life. Being alongside others who carry Kingdom purpose is what helps us grow. That’s what makes gatherings like this so powerful.”
Chris and Debbie Girdler: a lifeline to many
The highlight of the morning was hearing from Chris and Debbie Girdler, who shared openly about their remarkable walk of faith. At one time, the couple ran Vision Communications in Honiton, which produced a testimony newspaper known as Lifelines. The company was merged with Cornerstone House, owned by Chris and Kerry Cole, to form Cornerstone Vision 25 years ago.
Chris Girdler is the Editorial Director at Cornerstone Vision and the editor of the Plymouth Chronicle. Recently, The Chronicle has begun to carry Lifelines, as a regular feature sharing testimonies of transformation and hope. Chris Girdler explained that these stories are not simply uplifting articles — they are life-changing accounts that reach people far beyond church walls.
Together, Chris and Debbie have fostered over 25 children, offering a home of stability, healing and love. They spoke honestly about the challenges of fostering, the brokenness many children bring with them, and the perseverance needed to walk alongside them. Yet, for the Girdlers, fostering has never been just a role; it has been a calling rooted in God’s heart for the vulnerable.
Debbie also shared through music, offering a song that grew out of her own story of loss and God’s nearness in suffering. One poignant line captured the room:
“Then You showed Your face to me,
You wiped my tears away,
You told me that You loved me,
You gave me hope again.”
Her heartfelt worship reminded everyone present that God meets us even in the deepest valleys and business challenges, that His love restores hope.
A legacy of testimony
At the core of Chris and Debbie’s story is the conviction that testimony is powerful. From the early days of encountering real-life stories in their church, to launching Lifelines as “good news for a change,” their lives have been shaped by sharing the reality of God at work.
Beyond Plymouth, Lifelines has also expanded through partnership projects:
- Lifelines Exeter was published in collaboration with CTN, reaching tens of thousands with testimonies of transformation — see the story here.
- East Devon Lifelines invited readers to start a conversation about the Christ of Christmas through a special Christmas edition — read more here.
In closing, Chris Cole reflected on Revelation 12:11 — “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony” — reminding us that when we tell our stories, God is glorified, unbelievers are challenged to come to faith and we encourage others to walk in victory.
As Crosslink Plymouth continues to grow, the Girdlers’ testimony stands as a reminder that Kingdom impact often comes through everyday faithfulness — in print, in music and in the lives of children given a second chance.
