Racer's circuitous route to faith

Dyll Pell was once known for roaring through Shirebrook near Mansfield in his racing car during the late 1950s and early ’60s. A seasoned competitor, he went on to race at Silverstone, Le Mans and Brands Hatch. But it was a different kind of finish line he would cross decades later – one of eternal significance.

Dyll married Audrey Dunham at Manvers Street Pentecostal Church, and together they eventually settled in Nottingham during the 1970s. While still in Shirebrook, Audrey had given her life to the Lord. In Nottingham, she became part of West Bridgford Pentecostal Church under the leadership of Pastor Lesley Bicknell.

Audrey joined a women’s prayer group, made up largely of Christian wives praying for their unsaved husbands. At one gathering, a striking prophecy was spoken: “Like the walls of Jericho came down. These husbands will be saved.”

What the prophecy didn’t mention was the 40-year wilderness journey that lay ahead.

Dyll’s passion for fast cars gave way to yachts and then to aircraft – but there was little sign of spiritual movement. Decades passed.

Yet almost 40 years later, the prophecy bore fruit: Dyll Pell knelt in prayer and asked the Lord Jesus to be his Saviour and Lord.

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