Kathleen Bates

Coincidences - do they have hidden significance?

Testifying to coincidences and other startling events which have deepened her Christian faith, Kathleen Bates invites readers to judge whether these are "admissible evidence" of unseen help and - more importantly - to reflect on any such coincidences which they themselves may have experienced in times of stress.

She explains: "Depression, anguish, bereavement, loneliness - I have known all of these. Yet how often, when I have felt like a solitary tightrope walker in a dark, cheerless place, a sudden coincidence has made me joyfully aware of an unseen network of help, like a golden safety net below me. I now believe that the Holy Spirit does respond when we call out "Oh God, help me!" or even, in desperation, "Oh God - if you exist - please help me!" It's like dialling the Holy Spirit's helpline.

For over thirty years I have recorded coincidences which have brought me comfort, guidance, consolation and spiritual strength - but also sometimes just a good laugh when I was taking myself too seriously! On these I have based this book Joyful Witness."