Kay Warren, who co-pastors one of the largest churches in America with her husband Rick, is to speak at Holy Trinity Brompton’s services on Sunday 16 March.

She will speak about her work among those suffering from HIV and AIDS – a ministry she began in 2004 and which has taken her around the world.

She says, ‘I’ve witnessed the best and the worst this world offers. I’ve traveled to brothels and resorts, palaces and mud huts. Along the way I’ve met with presidents and prostitutes, billionaires and paupers. I’ve held newborn babies crying robustly and dying women whispering their last words.’

Her husband Rick Warren is author of The Purpose Driven Life, which has sold more than 25 million copies around the world.

The couple founded Saddleback Church, Lake Forest, California, in their living room in 1980. Now, more than 22,000 people attend services each Sunday.

Rick Warren has praised the work of Alpha as ‘one of the most effective evangelism tools for the 21st century.’

Kay Warren has worked as a volunteer at Mother Teresa’s Home for the Dying in Kolkata, India; at the leper colony and AIDS hospice in Manila, Philippines; and with World Vision and International Justice Mission in Thailand and Cambodia.

Kay has written many books. In her latest book, ‘Dangerous Surrender’, she traces her transformation from a housewife to an international HIV/AIDS advocate.

She writes, ‘Someone once asked me to define Christianity in one word, and after some reflection, I responded, “It all boils down to surrender.”

‘Everything I know about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ begins and ends with surrender – with saying yes to God.’