If ever you doubted the power of the gospel to transform lives, then this story will stir you to new levels of faith: it is amazing! In his unassuming, matter- of-fact style Gary lays out the traumatic and tragic story of his childhood years. But there is no self-pity here, no guilt trip for readers who have had an easy life; it is simply the background to a radical transformation brought about by an encounter with Jesus Christ.
The Gary I know and love today is married to a beautiful wife with two stunning children, marketing job, pastorally caring and prophetically gifted – a million miles from the little boy at the start of this book. Yet there is still an occasional glimpse of that wild child of the streets: now a man who is wild for the kingdom.
You will not be able to put this book down.
Richard Lawton
Senior Pastor
Hillside Church
From Shannon (Angie’s sister)
When I think of the book titled from “Pickering”and “Beyond Impossible” I am in awe at how far these 2 special people have come. Gary, you are a good man. You are a true testament to the fact that your upbringing need not define who you are. You haven't allowed negative influences to prevent you from living your dream and you have used every obstacle placed in your path to grow. I can see the love you have for my sister and your 2 gorgeous children, despite your lack of a solid earthly role model you are doing a mighty fine job as a husband and father. Keep it up...I am super proud of you.
To my darling sister, Angie aka The Queen. When God chose me to be your big sister he blessed me with the best. You are wise beyond your years, beautiful, kind hearted, always full of compassion and a gentle way of helping me see reason and logic through any storm. I love you more than any words could ever describe. Proud of you I'll always be, because you are the most awesome person on the planet.
I know that this book will be a blessing to all who read it because the lives they have lived this far are an amazing testimony to God's grace and love.
From Linda (Angie’s mother)
It has been a special privilege for me to have been a part of the many roads you have travelled in the last few years. Some of the four way stops were confusing and terrifying, and some were exciting and adventurous. BUT GOD has bought you through to greater heights of joy, love and peace.
You now live, as a family, in the beautiful city of Toronto and I have had the pleasure of visiting your quaint new home, attending your place of worship and enjoying being a part of your daily life. You take your role as parents very seriously and have raised Gabi and Eli to love and have a joyous personal relationship with our Saviour Jesus Christ. I thank Father God for His favour over all of you and for blessing me to have been a part of this journey.
Gary. You are, thoughtful, spontaneous, generous, adventurous and humorous. Thank you for being my spiritual counsellor, an incredible emotional support and a fun son-in-law.
Ang, My precious daughter, a special blessing from Father God. You are a pillar of strength to all who know you. Serene, beautiful, generous, kind, loving, caring and very funny. You are a woman of substance, powerful yet tender.
Gabi, my beautiful princess. You are a talented drama student and you love dancing and singing praises to your King Jesus. You are creative, and so very gentle and kind.
Eli, my handsome prince. You are a great sportsman. You do everything with joy. You love to love, and to be loved and to make everyone happy.
I am so very proud of all of you and thank God for the joy and love you bring to me.