On World Book Day 2023 there was no better book I could recommend than Gotta Die To Live, the autobiography of Chris and Kerry Cole, the founders of Cross Rhythms. Having been part of Christian media in the UK for the past two decades, I have seen part of their extraordinary journey unfold, but never really knew the immense challenges they faced. Now, these are laid bare in Gotta Die To Live and as John Glass says, “It’s a powerful and impacting book written with transparent honesty and vulnerability.”
I first met Chris and Kerry at GOD TV’s Braveheart conference in Edinburgh in 2002 and got to know Chris when he became regional director for GOD TV. He has been a father figure in the faith for so many and has always had a vision to share the Father’s heart across the UK and beyond. It’s amazing what he and Kerry have accomplished through Cross Rhythms, Cornerstone Vision, the Father’s House etc and I am sure Gotta Die to Live will challenge a new generation of Christian media front runners.

I love the way Chris and Kerry Cole have shared their personal journeys with God and with each other in a candid, unvarnished way. So many spiritual truths are woven into the narrative that I found myself highlighting key paragraphs for further reflection. These insights will no doubt spur many others on to further spiritual growth and transformation. Through reading Gotta Die to Live I’m sure a great many people will press that more deeply into God.
As a journalist, it was fascinating to read how their media mission started and about all the things they have pioneered together, from breakthroughs in radio outreach to music festivals, creative evangelism through art, fashion, poetry, drama and writing. It is so encouraging to see how God has helped them move past each area of brokenness and transformed their lives. This gives such hope for others.
I was also amazed by the prophetic insights Chris and Kerry both received and how important it is to have prophetic words to sustain one in times of uncertainty. Reading this book was like reading ‘Against All Odds’, the story of the miraculous birth of GOD TV. It has a similar stature with so many parallels. I could also identify in many places which were similar to my own story, both in needing to press into God more deeply and in the call to media.
Gotta Die To Live, the story of Chris and Kerry Cole
I wish Chris and Kerry Cole well in publishing the book and can see them going around the country, once lockdown is over, sharing a message of the Father’s love. For me the measure of a good book is whether you would share it with others and there are a whole lot of people I know who would benefit from reading this. Not least of which, any prodigal son or daughter.
These are my personal reflections on Gotta Die to Live and the ministry of Chris and Kerry Cole, however they are backed up many well known figures in the UK today. From church leaders like Elim’s John Glass to Tony and Marilyn Fitzgerald of Church of the Nations. From politicians such as Sir Gary Streeter to prophetic voices such as Gary Beaton and Martin Scott. From other Christian broadcasters like David L’Herroux of UCB and GOD TV’s CEO, Ward Simpson has done the foreword to the book. Kerry Cole was also recently interviewed by Fergus Scarfe. See Facebook post below.
What do readers have to say? Janet Stirling writes: “Oh my! This story is a shaker! I was shaken and stirred. Made me question how much I have actually allowed Jesus to change me. Every moment is precious and costly.
If you are puzzled how these things can happen, open your heart and let Him in and He will show you. Loved it!”
Dave writes: “An honest and very real account of lives lived wholeheartedly for God. Being in my 20’s and desiring to follow Jesus with all I am, this book is a real encouragement that such a life can be lived out. The reflections on personal weaknesses being overcome and how both Chris and Kerry dealt with the transformation process with truth, humility and a genuine desire to change, is so refreshing and empowering for my own life.”

For more information about the ministry of Chris and Kerry Cole visit their website, chrisandkerrycole.com
You can purchase a copy of Gotta Die To Live on the book website, gottadietolive.com or get the Kindle version on Amazon.
Also read: Once bound by abuse, illness and despair, Stephanie McKittrick is finally free
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