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.