I was brought up in a half Christian home and was Christened as a baby and have always felt that God was with me and knew he was an important part of my life.
I have been to Spring Harvest every year since I was 4, and know that I've made several committments at various ages.
When I was in year 9 I started going to a youth group in Bromley which gave me a chance to explore my faith more. And in year 10 I was able to go to a joint youth group between my chuch (St John's) and Christ Church in Petts Wood.
When I was 14 a group of friends and I at St John's wanted a way to express our faith and confirmation classes were set up for us. At Easter 2003 I confirmed my faith and came into membership at St John's. At the time confirmation didn't seem like a big step as I was so sure of my faith, but on the morning of my confrimation it hit me as to what I was doing, and it was a good feeling! My dad and sister (who aren't Christian) came to my confirmation which was special for me as even though they may not understand or agree, I had their support.
I had started to think about what I wanted to do with my life, as I had to pick A Level options. I had thought about youth work, but was put off by listening to people rather than to God.
At the second summer Pasison event when I was 17 I was a small group leader and really enjoyed the week. God spoke to me during that week - partly showing me that I was able to be a group leader and he also spoke to me through a talk. Now I knew what it was God wanted me to do with my life. When I went back to school I had to change my ucas form from digital media to youth work - this was quite a change! I started looking into courses and gap year placements.
Soon I read of an opportunity to work in Torquay as a youth worker where I would have the opportunity to help design and build a youth centre - my dream! I went for the interview and was offered the job alongside another person. I quickly said yes as everything seemed to fit. A couple of months later I was starting to regret saying yes so quickly and prayed asking if I could change my mind - the next day I received an email saying that the other person had pulled out and I had a chance to reconsider. So I turned down the job. This happened in the same week that I had a lot going on - as well as coursework and rehearsals for a play, I also ended a long realtionship - which God had also guided me in doing. I was very stressed and prayed 'God take this mess away from me' and instantly I felt calm and peaceful. After this week I felt a bit empty as I pretty much had no plans other than to follow God.
A month or two later I heard that OBC were looking for a youthworker or two. I soon met up with Daren and here I am! I also heard that I'd been accepted on the Oasis course - things were looking up! I started working at OBC before I'd finished my A level exams, and in that same week I started going out with Chris - just as everything seemed to disappear in the same week everything came back at the same time too! I knew I was heading in the right direction and that God was guiding me.
As for now, I know God's love, and where my mum has recently been in hospital, have seen how God's love strengthens a person and can carry them through difficult times. I'm looking forward to the future and how God is going to use me.
Tuesday, 24 July 2007
Karen Hicks
God has used me in so many different ways. Especially with working with young people. He has filled me with his Spirit and has used me as GB Captain to show his love and faith to others. I am full of enthusiasm which is his power. He has also used me on several occasions and has spoken through me to others! My faith has deepened so much just by taking on my dream job of being Captain. Praise the Lord!
Anonymous
Personally, I have always been part of a Christian family, do I have never 'come to faith', however, God has love, and does do a lot for me, from little things like when I lose my lunch money to bigger things, like trouble with friends. I simply can't think of myself without God.
Claire Hicks
I feel like God hasn't talked/spoken to me yet. But I feel he will soon. He has made me feel more confident, and special to him. I know that he's there for me and I can trust him. I want to become closer to him and know more and learn more about him. I need to pray and read my Bible more to get through to him. I know that I love him soooo much and if he could just answer my prayers and use me to work for him. It would mean the world to me.
Vanessa Puttee
Born and brought up in a loving Christian family who took me to church regularly.
I WAS AWARE OF GOD'S LOVE AND PRESENCE.
Age 16 years, I was baptised after what I know now was the Holy Spirit prompting me at a G.B. camp.
I BELIEVED IN GOD, THAT JESUS DIES FOR ME, AND I WANTED TO PROMISE TO LIVE LIKE A CHRISTIAN.
But I didn't grow as a Christian because I didn't read my Bible and didn't know how to pray.
I left further education to fulful my ambition to go to Art college. (Great days). But after a promise of a job in London, Covent Garden at a Graphic Studio, I met my finace whose mum was a hairdreser, and changed direction and studied with Graham Webb. I loved this job.
THIS WAS MY PRODIGAL CHILD PART OF MY LIFE. I STILL BELIEVED IN GOD, BUT WAS NOT GROWING WITH KNOWLEDGE OF THE BIBLE. I STOPPED COMING TO CHURCH, BUT KEPT IN CONTACT WITH MY CHRISTIAN FRIENDS.
Age 21 years, I met Ian (my husband) I introduced him to my Christian friends and occasionally we came to OBC. Although Ian was not a Church goer, her was accepting of my faith and so we got married at OBC. We were 24 and moved to Maidstone. So I stopped going to OBC and didn't want to find another church.
I KEPT GOD AT A DISTANCE. I WANTED TO LIVE MY LIFE ON MY TERMS. I HAD EVERYTHING I WANTED, HUSBAND, CAREER, HOME. I WAS HAPPY! WASN'T I? NO. SOMETHING WAS MISSING.
Age 26 years, a tough time for Ian, his father died, and we had Paul prematurely early at 33 weeks. Also my parents were away on holiday.
I FELT THE LOVE, PRAYERS AND SUPPORT FROM OBC. SOME CHRISTIAN FRIENDS EVEN VISITED ME IN HOSPITAL.
Paul was born at the same time Ian and I moved to Dartford. I started to come to OBC more regularly, Ian was playing football and I could catch up with friends.
STILL MY FAITH HAD STAYED THE SAME AS WHEN I WAS 16YEARS. BUT NOW I WAS AN ADULT AND WAS STARTING TO LEARN MORE ABOUT GOD.
Age 28 years, Rebecca was born, and Jonathon Edwards was to become our minister.
AGE 32 YEARS, PRIVATELY I RECOMITTED MY LIFE TO GOD.
Because of the children the opportunity came to help at GB and five holiday clubs (where my gift for art came in handy). We went to Spring Harvest for holidays and I began to listen to Premier Christian radio.
ALL OF THESE THINGS HELPED ME TO GROW AS A CHRISTIAN. I BEGAN TO READ MY BIBLE AND WAS ENJOYING IT.
I NOW KNOW THERE IS A GOD. I SHARE MY LIFE WITH HIM. GOD NOT ONLY HEARS OUR WORDS HE LISTENS TO OUR HEARTS. One example of this is my career, God know it would be important to me to have flexible time for my children, and I could do this by running my own business. Also I like to serve, my job has helped people in difficult situations, hospital etc.
WHEN I LOOK BACK ON MY TESTIMONY, I KNEW IT WAS NOT A DRAMATIC CONVERSION. BUT GOD HAS BEEN PATIENT, BUT PERSITENT, HE HAS LET ME CHOSE, AND LEARN AT MY OWN PACE. HE DOESN'T WANT A PUPPER TO WORSHIP HIM. HE WANTS REAL LOVE. THIS IS WHAT HE HAS FROM ME.
I WAS AWARE OF GOD'S LOVE AND PRESENCE.
Age 16 years, I was baptised after what I know now was the Holy Spirit prompting me at a G.B. camp.
I BELIEVED IN GOD, THAT JESUS DIES FOR ME, AND I WANTED TO PROMISE TO LIVE LIKE A CHRISTIAN.
But I didn't grow as a Christian because I didn't read my Bible and didn't know how to pray.
I left further education to fulful my ambition to go to Art college. (Great days). But after a promise of a job in London, Covent Garden at a Graphic Studio, I met my finace whose mum was a hairdreser, and changed direction and studied with Graham Webb. I loved this job.
THIS WAS MY PRODIGAL CHILD PART OF MY LIFE. I STILL BELIEVED IN GOD, BUT WAS NOT GROWING WITH KNOWLEDGE OF THE BIBLE. I STOPPED COMING TO CHURCH, BUT KEPT IN CONTACT WITH MY CHRISTIAN FRIENDS.
Age 21 years, I met Ian (my husband) I introduced him to my Christian friends and occasionally we came to OBC. Although Ian was not a Church goer, her was accepting of my faith and so we got married at OBC. We were 24 and moved to Maidstone. So I stopped going to OBC and didn't want to find another church.
I KEPT GOD AT A DISTANCE. I WANTED TO LIVE MY LIFE ON MY TERMS. I HAD EVERYTHING I WANTED, HUSBAND, CAREER, HOME. I WAS HAPPY! WASN'T I? NO. SOMETHING WAS MISSING.
Age 26 years, a tough time for Ian, his father died, and we had Paul prematurely early at 33 weeks. Also my parents were away on holiday.
I FELT THE LOVE, PRAYERS AND SUPPORT FROM OBC. SOME CHRISTIAN FRIENDS EVEN VISITED ME IN HOSPITAL.
Paul was born at the same time Ian and I moved to Dartford. I started to come to OBC more regularly, Ian was playing football and I could catch up with friends.
STILL MY FAITH HAD STAYED THE SAME AS WHEN I WAS 16YEARS. BUT NOW I WAS AN ADULT AND WAS STARTING TO LEARN MORE ABOUT GOD.
Age 28 years, Rebecca was born, and Jonathon Edwards was to become our minister.
AGE 32 YEARS, PRIVATELY I RECOMITTED MY LIFE TO GOD.
Because of the children the opportunity came to help at GB and five holiday clubs (where my gift for art came in handy). We went to Spring Harvest for holidays and I began to listen to Premier Christian radio.
ALL OF THESE THINGS HELPED ME TO GROW AS A CHRISTIAN. I BEGAN TO READ MY BIBLE AND WAS ENJOYING IT.
I NOW KNOW THERE IS A GOD. I SHARE MY LIFE WITH HIM. GOD NOT ONLY HEARS OUR WORDS HE LISTENS TO OUR HEARTS. One example of this is my career, God know it would be important to me to have flexible time for my children, and I could do this by running my own business. Also I like to serve, my job has helped people in difficult situations, hospital etc.
WHEN I LOOK BACK ON MY TESTIMONY, I KNEW IT WAS NOT A DRAMATIC CONVERSION. BUT GOD HAS BEEN PATIENT, BUT PERSITENT, HE HAS LET ME CHOSE, AND LEARN AT MY OWN PACE. HE DOESN'T WANT A PUPPER TO WORSHIP HIM. HE WANTS REAL LOVE. THIS IS WHAT HE HAS FROM ME.
Friday, 13 July 2007
Share your testimony
In Academy we looked at Esther and God's plans for us, the choices we have to make and how to share that. This is a space to add your testimony and read how God has worked in the lives of other people at Academy.
If you would like to share your testimony, please email it to Victoria at: monkeybum27@hotmail.com
If you would like to share your testimony, please email it to Victoria at: monkeybum27@hotmail.com
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