I grew up believing there was a God, but that he was unknowable. I thought each person would be judged for how he lived his life. This bothered me, because I failed to keep the Ten Commandments.

 

I was invited to a church where I heard the message of Jesus in a way I’d not heard before. I was told Jesus died on the cross for my sins. I prayed to him for forgiveness. At that moment I sensed he had heard and answered my prayer. A profound peace and assurance came, which has remained.

 

My early childhood was quite difficult, growing up in an environment where there was irregular, conditional love, anger and abuse. My parents divorced and whilst I was only young, there were a lot of negative influences in my life and a confusing father figure.  

 

Relocating to Guernsey brought further difficulties and I found it hard to be accepted for a variety of reasons. That was before I met Jesus. Instead of anger and abuse I now get unconditional love and and acceptance even though I still mess up. My life is so much better for knowing him. Gary

As a child I was brought up to church each Sunday. My parents had a deep love for the Lord Jesus, and as an eight-year-old boy, I made a commitment to follow the Lord Jesus. This was not a gesture from a young boy, but from the knowledge that He had become my Saviour.

Throughout my college years, when my faith was put to the test, I know that the Lord was with me, strengthening me. This faith has continued to the present day, and I know that He is with me in all I do.

 

After growing up in the church, I rebelled against God, attracted by all the world has to offer. Witnessing the miracle of birth of my son, I realised once again there must be more to life than just us. I made a recommitment to God after seeing the church production of 'Heaven's Gates' and my priorities shifted away from myself to what God's plans were for me. Looking back, I can see God's faithfulness in directing my life at every stage, even when I would not acknowledge it, and although I still falter at times, I know Jesus has already won the victory and is leading me to himself.'

 

Steve

As a young lad I always saw God as someone far away judging everything I did. I was always trying to be good, but my conscience always showed me where I fell short. I met someone through work who showed me that my good works did not save me; they would never be up to the mark. I found out that, because Jesus died for my failures (sins), God accepts me as I am. I no longer see God as my judge but as someone who cares about me.

 

Maurice

I was struggling to understand what was life really about? Was there more to what I was doing than wandering around this world with no future and no ambition? Then something happened to me that would change my thinking. I met the woman who is now my wife (Margaret), and she introduced me to Jesus. I put my faith in him, and he changed my perspective on life for all time, and he changed me.

 

You know, it’ so easy to hide how you feel from others, perhaps without even knowing it.  That’s how I was in my mid to late teens.  I felt insignificant and was afraid.... of the future, of my education, of my job.  In fact I felt I had failed in my first three jobs.  But, over the following years, through many difficulties (mainly with myself!), I’ve found that by putting my dependency on God, He has led me all the way.
At 57, I can look back and say, “He’s been faithful over all these years, so I refuse to be afraid of taking the opportunities He’s giving me now!”.  This journey’s exciting!

 

Was I sure of going to heaven? – That was the question I had in my teens. As a child I had given my heart to Jesus in Sunday school. Now I was older and understood more I wanted to know for sure and gave my heart to the Lord again publicly in a meeting. I at last felt the assurance I needed. Since that day years ago I have grown much closer to God.  I appreciate the unconditional love that the Lord gives even when I mess up my life. He’s always there – a really great friend and only ever a prayer away.

I was very short tempered. My parents told me I had to go to Sunday school, which I didn’t like at all. Then I left school. I started to drink and smoke, and got into trouble with the law. I joined the Army, and got into trouble there. When I came out of the army I met up with Marion (my wife), and started going to church. Now that I’m learning about the Lord, I feel so different in myself. I am not short tempered any more, and I’m more relaxed. I no longer smoke or drink.

 

We always went to church on Sunday - 3 times! I knew that Jesus had died to forgive our sins, but I always felt rebellious. There seemed so much that I wasn't allowed to do!
When I went to London to do nursing training I was ill equipped to deal with "the world", and so went far from God.

Later, after marriage and children, I found that the party lifestyle brought much unhappiness and so the prodigal daughter returned to our loving God who had always had his arms open wide, waiting for me to return. Now, as he continues to change me, he is with me always and I am willing to be used by him.

 

I was suffering panic attacks, my hands bled because I couldn't stop washing them. I was frightened of eating and I had to force myself to leave the house.

 

One day in desperation I cried out "God, if you are there, help me!"

 

I felt compelled to go to church. The sermon that Sunday was 'Finding God through ill health.' It was as if it was written for me. I returned to church each week and my faith began to grow.

 

Now that I’m following Jesus I live my life without the fear of dying.

 

Lisa

I was abused as a child and ran away from home frequently, staying with my grandmother when I could. I felt unloved and knew nothing of the love of God. I left home as soon as possible, and then went from one abusive marriage to another, very depressed and often contemplated suicide.

My daughter got involved with Eldad Church, and gradually I came to understand God's love for me through my daughter’s love and prayers.
I was baptised, and though some depression persisted, with the Lord Jesus to talk to and Christian friends, I move forward by God's grace.