On Friday 21 February 2025, CTN welcomed Martin Bell for an uplifting and thought-provoking talk packed with personal testimony, encouragement and a powerful call to action. Martin’s message resonated deeply with attendees, inspiring them to integrate faith into their daily lives and professional journeys.
A journey of faith and transformation
Martin began his talk by sharing his own personal journey – one that took him from a successful career in education to a transformative encounter with Jesus. He spoke candidly about his struggles with ulcerative colitis, a debilitating illness that left him physically weakened and desperate for answers.
During a hospital stay, Martin had an unexpected visit from a Christian named Tim. That night, in the stillness of the hospital ward, Martin prayed for the first time in years:
“Jesus, if you can help me out of this situation, I will always follow you.”
The next morning, he awoke feeling entirely different – filled with peace, hope and a newfound clarity about life’s purpose. Over the following weeks, he experienced healing and an unshakable sense of faith. This experience marked the beginning of a radical transformation, one that would shape his work, his leadership and his perspective on success.
Faith in the marketplace: a calling beyond the Church
A key theme in Martin’s talk was the idea that faith is not limited to church services, it belongs in the workplace, in business and in everyday interactions. He emphasised that “your business is your ministry” and encouraged attendees to see their professional roles as an extension of God’s work.
Drawing from his years in education, Martin spoke about his time as a headteacher, where he introduced daily worship and prayer into the school environment. Despite opposition from some, he remained steadfast, knowing that God had placed him in that position for a reason.
His testimony serves as a powerful reminder that being a Christian in the workplace is not about hiding one’s faith but about being a light in the world. He urged business owners, professionals and leaders to seek God’s guidance, trust in His provision and boldly integrate faith into their daily decisions.
A call to revival: God’s work in the UK and beyond
Martin shared some exciting news about a shift in global ministry efforts. Organisations like CfaN (Christ for All Nations), which have historically focused on evangelistic missions in Africa and South America, are now turning their attention to the UK and Europe. This shift signals a growing movement of faith and revival within our own communities.
He also spoke about his involvement with Transform Our World, led by Ed Silvoso, an organisation committed to bringing spiritual and social transformation to cities. He emphasised that revival isn’t something that simply happens, we must actively partner with God to bring about change.
“We pray for revival but we also have to partner with it.”
This powerful statement challenged the audience to consider how they could contribute to this movement in their own spheres of influence.
Overcoming challenges through prayer and trust
Martin acknowledged that living out one’s faith in the workplace and community is not always easy. He spoke about challenges he faced, including opposition from colleagues and the personal pain of being rejected by a school he once led. Yet, through it all, he learned that God is faithful and that true success comes from surrendering everything – including our careers, our businesses and our plans – into his hands.
He encouraged attendees to reflect on these key questions:
- Who is truly leading my life—me or God?
- Have I asked Jesus to simply be part of my life or have I fully surrendered my life to him?
- Am I trusting God as my provider or am I trying to control everything myself?
These questions prompted deep introspection, urging everyone to realign their priorities and seek God’s will in all areas of life.
A time for prayer and prophetic encouragement
As the talk concluded, Martin led a powerful time of prayer, inviting those in need of healing, encouragement or direction to step forward. He shared prophetic words, including a message about urgency, overcoming obstacles and receiving healing – both physically and spiritually.
For those who had been hesitating to step into their calling, his message was clear:
“What are you waiting for? The time is now.”
A final encouragement
Martin’s talk left a lasting impression on all who attended. His testimony, combined with his deep conviction that faith should permeate every aspect of life, inspired many to embrace their calling with renewed boldness. If you missed the talk, you can listen to the recording below. This was the first part of Martin’s input this year. He is also scheduled to speak in June. See 2025 Schedule.
CTN continues to stand as a hub for connection, encouragement and empowerment for those seeking to live out their faith in business and beyond. You are invited to engage further and reach out to Frank and Barry for prayer and community support.
Let’s move forward in faith, trusting that God is at work in our lives, our workplaces and our nation.
