A man from Colindale single-handedly turned around a rundown church after hearing a miraculous call from God to serve the community.

Charles Brown, 47, from Colindeep Lane, said he started clearing up rubbish and doing the gardening at West Hendon Baptist Church after hearing God speak directly to him on the radio in spring last year.

"I was listening to the radio when I went to sleep," he said. "Then I woke up to hear it speaking directly to me.

"I know God can speak to you through many ways, so although I was surprised, I believe it is possible."

The voice on the radio told Mr Brown to get involved in his local church.

It also said that his professional experience had moulded and strengthened him for what he had to do in the future.

The following week, he turned up at West Hendon Baptist Church, Station Road, on a whim, and began tidying up litter and weeding the garden.

When the pastor of the church and its congregants found out what he was doing a week later, they felt he was an answer to their prayers.

West Hendon Baptist Church was scheduled to be torn down last year, and replaced with a block of flats, but when Mr Brown began the clear-up job, they decided it was a sign to stick by the old building and redevelop it rather than sell it off.

Mr Brown, who worked for the Metropolitan Police at Golders Green and then for Barnet Council as a housing officer for 22 years before he retired, has dedicated the last year to the job.

"It's a long ongoing saga, not a five-minute job, but I don't feel I can just leave it," he said.

"My main priority is I cannot let this thing go because I've been called to do it. It's quite an amazing experience."

Although Mr Brown is reluctant to accept praise for his efforts, he recently entered the Bin it for Barnet competition, which encourages residents to brighten up the borough.

A winner for the competition will be announced at the end of October. If he wins, Mr Brown intends to put the prize money to good use, investing in a new fence for the church.

August 19, 2002 17:00