John stood and watched as some of the largest waves he had ever seen threw themselves at the ship. Very little stood between the young slave ship captain and death – and he knew it. His panic and fear made him think only of himself and nothing for the hundreds of men, women and children chained in the hold below. However, God still heard his prayers and the cries of the tortured humanity pleading for mercy and justice. The very man selling them into slavery would soon fight for their freedom. John Newton was one of the worst abusers of the African slave as he travelled the oceans to make money from their misery – but in the end his life was changed and so was theirs.

Irene Howat is an award-winning author who is accomplished writer in writing for children and adults. She has many titles to her name. She is married to a minister and they have a grown up family. She is also a talented artist and lives in Argyll, Scotland. She especially enjoys letters from children and replies to all of them!