The Lost Sheep
The Boy Behind the Rubbish Bin and the Angel
A boy from the slums of Glasgow. A childhood marked by abuse in children’s homes. A life on the brink of despair. And one moment that changed everything.
Some stories are so powerful that they are hard to believe. Yet this one is true.
John McGurk grew up in extreme poverty in the slums of Glasgow. After his mother fled from a violent and alcoholic father, all eight children were separated and placed in different children’s homes.
What awaited the nine-year-old boy there was beyond imagination: humiliation, violence and abuse. Institutions that were meant to protect him — including church-run homes — shattered his trust to the core.
Over the years, shame, pain and despair became overwhelming. Eventually, John reached a point where he believed there was no way forward.
add. 4,99 € shipping costs
Important note:
At the moment, it is unfortunately only possible to order one book per order via the PayPal button. If you would like to order multiple books, please simply send me an email directly at john@das-verlorene-schaf.de with the desired quantity. I will take care of it personally.
Thank you very much for your support and your understanding.
God’s blessing,
John
More Than a Book
The Lost Sheep is more than a life story.
It is a story of loss, resilience and the long journey back into the light.
Seven years of intensive research — including conversations with survivors and witnesses of abuse in children’s homes and church institutions — have gone into this deeply moving book.
It tells the story of one boy behind a rubbish bin — and of many others who lived through similar darkness.
This is not only the story of a lost child. It is the story of a miracle.
The author hopes this book will reach many readers and encourage society to look more closely and listen more carefully when it comes to the abuse of children.
The German edition was journalistically accompanied and edited by Sigrid Lehmann-Wacker, Osnabrück.
A Moment That Changed Everything
At the darkest moment of his life, something happened that he still describes today as a miracle.
As he lay unconscious on the ground, he experienced what he believes was an appearance of the Virgin Mary, who spoke the words:
He has great plans for you.”
That moment became the turning point of his life.
The boy who once searched rubbish bins for food found hope again — and with it, a purpose.
Today, John McGurk speaks up for children in need around the world and helps give a voice to those who have too often gone unheard.
Pre-Order
The German edition will be released at Easter 2026, with the official publication date set for 1 April 2026.
Pre-orders are now open.
An English-language edition is currently being prepared in Glasgow and — if all goes according to plan — is expected to be published in summer or early autumn 2026.
add. 4,99 € shipping costs
Important note:
At the moment, it is unfortunately only possible to order one book per order via the PayPal button. If you would like to order multiple books, please simply send me an email directly at john@das-verlorene-schaf.de with the desired quantity. I will take care of it personally. Thank you very much for your support and your understanding.
God’s blessing,
John
John McGurk MBE
John Alexander McGurk MBE was born on
21 February 1961 in Glasgow, Scotland.
Since 1989 he has dedicated his life to supporting children in need in Germany and internationally. Through numerous charity sports events and fundraising initiatives, more than five million euros have been raised for children’s projects.
For his humanitarian work he has received numerous honours, including the Federal Cross of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.
In October 2024, he was awarded the title Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) at Windsor Castle, in recognition of his international commitment to helping children in need.
