District Stories
Leon Cornwall visits Broadway
LEON AT BROADWAY
On Friday 22nd January Broadway Methodist Church in Stoke-on-Trent hosted a remarkable event. People gathered from around the circuit, district and from as far afield as Gloucester to enter into the story of Leon Cornwall. Leon was involved in the Grenada Revolution (1979-83), holding high rank in the army and being Minister for Youth and Sports and Ambassador to Cuba, Mexico, Nicaragua and Panama. After the American invasion in October 1983, Leon was one of the “Grenada 17”, sentenced to death. This sentence was commuted to natural life in 1991. He was released from Richmond Hill Prison, St George’s, Grenada on 5th September 2009 and we invited him to come to Britain for a few weeks to live with us and tell his story to us.
Andrew and Jill Baker were mission partners in Grenada from 1997 to 2001 and ministered in the prison during those years, so counting Leon as a friend. They are both overwhelmed by the reality of his presence with them – something for which they have prayed, but could hardly dare to believe would be possible. The congregations locally have heard about Leon so much over the last eight years, while Andrew has been stationed in Stoke, and they have taken him to their hearts.
During the evening Leon’s account of his life was told in chapters, with each chapter illustrated by a song, led by Jill. He told of life before the revolution – for him growing up in the Methodist Church with involvement in the youth group and for the little island under Eric Matthew Gairy. The revolution of March 13th 1979 saw 46 men overthrow the army at their barracks and take control of the country. Although the young revolutionary government made mistakes, there was much to celebrate in the new energy in the island: an education programme, offering secondary education and raising literacy levels; agriculture and agro-processing projects; ordinary people given dignity and enthusiasm; medical services for all and the building of an international airport.
Divisions within the revolutionary party came to a head in October 1983. The events of 19th of that month led to the death of the Prime Minister, Maurice Bishop and a number of his friends. After the Americans invaded six days later, Leon was one of those arrested. He has spent 9,441 days (just short of 26 years) in that Grenadian prison. His daughters were 4 years and 1 year old when he went in. He and his colleagues did remarkable work while they were in the prison, running an education programme for all the inmates at no cost to the government. Leon himself acted as counsellor and inspiration to so many while he was there.
During the re
volution days Leon embraced an atheistic philosophy and left the church. While he was in prison he had an encounter with God, which changed his life. The audience last Friday believed him when he testified to the love of God to one who had turned his back on God – for this man shines with the light of Christ. He completed a theology degree while in the prison. At 56 years old he has to build a life outside the prison following his release. He has been embraced by congregations at Broadway, Blythe Bridge, Forsbrook and Lightwood in the Stoke South circuit. God’s blessing is upon him as he travels on, trusting God for all that is to come. Leon returned to Grenada on 3rd February.