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Faith gave me strength – Ballymena journalist launches autobiography

Monday March 25th 2019

Ballymena journalist Joe Boyd.

Well-known Ballymena based journalist Joe Boyd will launch his autobiography ‘Trading Places: From Hopelessness to Happiness,’ on Saturday March 30.

Joe is one of the province’s best-known church news correspondents, and currently works for The Church Page, a Christian news website. 

His career began in 1997 when he joined the Ballymena Times, where he remained for 18 years before his move to The Church Page. The site publishes news and events from all Christian churches in Northern Ireland, regardless of denomination or size.

The 41-year-old has also worked as a freelance ‘ghost-writer,’ editor and press agent during a career which has seen him overcome the physical limitations imposed by Cerebral Palsy.

Born with a condition then known as Spastic Diplegia, early expectations for Joe’s future were bleak.  Many professionals of the day suggested that he was ‘retarded.’

In ‘Trading Places,’ you will have the chance to read about how a deep Christian faith gave Joe the strength and ability to overcome this bleak prognosis.  His impressive publishing record standing in tandem with a loving marriage and interesting side-line as a qualified gym instructor!

Looking ahead to the publication of what he hopes will be an inspiring testimony to the love and grace of God, Joe said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be getting the chance to share my story and I thank Timeless Publications for giving me this amazing opportunity.

“I hope that many people will discover my loving and powerful Saviour, Jesus Christ, as they read my book.  I would also love it if a kid with a disability or their parents was given new hope for their future as they turn the pages.”

To celebrate the publication of ‘Trading Places,’ there will be a launch event at Victory Praise Community Church, Pennybridge Industrial Estate, Ballymena, on March 30 from 10.30am-1.30pm.  There will be an opportunity to meet and chat to Joe in person as well as buy copies of his book.

Thirty per cent of all proceeds will go to the Greensleeves Children’s Trust, an organisation which shelters orphaned children in South Africa

Joe is also keen to share his testimony with Churches and other Christian groups who would like to hear from him.  To contact Joe about a visit, email joeboyd@thechurchpage.com.  No fee will be charged but as Joe is unable to drive, he requests that potential hosts provide transport to and from their chosen venue.

‘Trading Places: From Hopelessness to Happines’ by Joe Boyd is available to buy now from www.amazon.co.uk.  After the launch it can also be purchased on www.timeless.co.uk. 

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