One of the most common held mis-conceptions amongst Christians is there is one set path to God. This cannot be further from the truth. Each of us at St John's have our own story to tell, each as unique as the next. This can be a source of great strength for those who are at the start of their journey, and also those of us who are perhaps finding the bumps in the road a little difficult to cope with. We all develop our own very personal relationship with God; below you will find some of our church family discussing their individual faith journey. You can scroll down at your leisure or you can click on one of the testimonies below.
My story begins about six years ago. At the time, I wasn’t a very nice person. I was selfish and materialistic, caring more about the things around me than the people around me. I lied and manipulated people in order to get what I wanted out of them. Often employing ‘charm to disarm’, I was quite popular, particularly with women. I was working as a manager of a large pub/club, and as such, I was skilled at ‘upselling’, a technique of persuading the customer to buy more alcohol than they originally wanted. Basically, I was a poisoner and a promiscuous one at that.
That changed dramatically and instantly. One evening, I was driving in to work (a little too fast, truth be told) on a dual carriageway when I was involved in a horrendous car crash. Whilst my speed was not a cause of the crash, it became a factor during the crash, particularly when my vehicle hit a concrete wall head on.
A fire crew was called to cut the top off the car, so I could be removed. As my car had no air bags or impact protection system, it was thought it would be a recovery mission, rather than a rescue mission. The paramedics were amazed to find me still alive. Several surgeons were called in and an operating room set up ready for me at the nearby hospital. Later I would learn that I was not expected to survive, but I was at least given a 1 in a million chance. If I was lucky, I would live but after having my legs amputated, lungs punctured, ribs broken and with brain damage. But if I was lucky, I would survive.
After several hours of tests, x-rays and consultations, it was discovered that all I had suffered was a broken nose.
Many people said I was lucky. I don’t believe that I was lucky. Lucky would have been me alive as a paraplegic vegetable. What happened to me was something else completely. It was a miracle. I had no religious history, and neither had my parents. I didn’t know who God was, but he was sending me a message. I also beat cancer when I was in my 20’s, so now I realised that God wanted me alive for something. I didn’t know what or why, but I got the message.
I wandered into my local church with a lot of questions, and what I discovered blew my mind. Above all, I learned that God loved me unconditionally. He loved me, a selfish hedonistic poisoner with no moral compass, so much that 2000 years ago, he knew I’d be coming, and he knew the heathen I’d be, the mistakes I’d make, the thoughts I’d have and he sent his son to die, just so I could be forgiven.
The realisation of this was like a tsunami on my soul. I stood before him drenched in his love, naked and without secrets. It filled me with euphoric joy. So much so, that I wanted to share this knowledge. I wanted everyone else to know that God loved them, so that they could feel as good as I did. I wanted to run through the streets screaming extemporaneously about Gods love.
Soon after, I gave up my career as a poisoner, and decided to put to good use the degree in sports science I’d attained some years earlier. I found a job as a sports coach in primary schools. I felt strongly that I wanted to put something positive into society. I felt I’d rather give children an education, than adults a hangover.
To this day I still don’t know why God has chosen me. I don’t know the purpose he has for me. Maybe it’s for you to read this. Maybe this can change someone’s life. I don’t know. But I take a great deal of comfort in not needing to know. God has a plan. I don’t need to know it for it to work. I’ve let God into my heart, and I’m happy to let Him direct my life for His purposes, whatever they may be.
Many people ask me if I believe in God existence. I always reply ‘no’. To say I ‘believe’ in something implies doubt. I don’t believe in the chair I’m sitting on, I KNOW it exists. Like God, without it, I’d fall down. I don’t ‘believe’ in God, I KNOW God because I met Him that night trapped in my car, and He’s a thoroughly nice chap!
Whether you believe in him or not, He believes in you, and He loves you.
Amen.
For many years I thought I was a Christian, I went to church read the bible and was involved in many ‘churchie’ activities; very good you may say, but sadly that was all, it went no further than doing what I thought was right.
After various happenings in my life, I came to a point when I took stock - as they say, ‘The penny dropped’ (finally!).
This person, this Jesus, this God who I sang about and somewhat half heartedly prayed to, suddenly became real to me and I had to make a commitment to him, so I did! That was about sixteen years ago now.
Yes, I still make mistakes!
Yes, I still say the wrong things!
Yes, I sometimes go through sad and difficult times, but I am never alone!
Jesus is always with me!!
He is always with me; forgiving me when I’m truly sorry, comforting me and giving me strength and hope for the future, and I know that when this life is over, I shall be with him for ever.
Praise God!
Carol
My Faith Journey by Paul Walker
I became a Christian about 12 years ago, after being invited to a Christianity Explored course by a friend. I had reached a very low point in my life, due to a combination of mental health and alcohol related problems. At the course I made a decision for Christ, however I was soon to find that there was no instant solution to my problems. When I realised that being a Christian required making some changes, I turned away from God and tried to return to my old lifestyle. However, about six months into this I found myself at a point where I realised that I couldn’t make changes by myself nor could I deny the truth about Jesus. I was also facing a battle with mental distress and my drinking.
This culminated with a few spells in hospital, the loss of my job and somewhere to live. I did however persevere in trying to follow Jesus, and slowly things started to change. I feel that I have experienced healing from my drink problem, my mental health issues and am endeavouring to live a new life as a Christian.
What I value about St John’s is that throughout this journey I have been encouraged and supported by the friendships I have made at the church.
Although making changes has not been easy, the people who I value as friends have been patient, supportive and encouraging. Twelve years later from the beginning of my Christian journey, I am in the process of completing my nurse training as a mental health nurse and hoping to make a contribution to other people on their own recovery journey.
My Testimony: A Member of St John's
I was born into a Christian family (Church of England). My parents decided to let me be confirmed when I was old enough to know what I was doing.
I attended a Grammar School in Hertfordshire and opted out of religious assemblies with my group of friends.
A year after leaving school I had my first of many breakdowns. The RE teachers of my old school treated me well and I used to attend their bible studies and holidays away.
After re-training to be a hotel receptionist I moved away from parents to Southampton and got involved with the Rotaract (young Rotarians). I really enjoyed this time in my life.
When my parents moved to Norfolk I moved with them as I was ill once more. Within a year I was in the local psychiatric hospital.
Eventually, I moved to Lynn as I was working and socializing in King's Lynn most of the time. I was lodging in a Christian house. So on my very first night in Lynn I went along to Saint John's. I received a warm welcome and twenty three years on I still worship there.
My biggest support has been my House Group which I joined about six years ago. We meet most Thursdays at various venues for prayer and bible studies.
A member of St Johns
I was brought up as Christian and was taken to church regularly by my mother. She became ill when I was 15 years and died when I was 17 years old. During this time I didn’t go to church as she was too ill to take me and I wasn’t compelled to go myself.
After my mother died I became very angry with God, to the point of denying his existence and my lifestyle was very ‘un-Christian’.
A colleague at work invited me to a church service where Cliff Richard was to sing and speak. His talk touched me and awoke something which drew me to go forward and speak to a member of the Ministry Team.
From there I joined a group for those who struggle with believing there is a God and many of my questions were answered. From there to a beginners group for those new to faith. All along I felt supported by my new friends and by prayer. I met my husband through my new found faith.
Now I attend church regularly and love being involved in the children’s work and the church community.
My advice to someone wishing to experience church for the first time is find a friend who is a Christian, a church community that suits your personality, and someone who can answer questions.
Drifted from church attendance upon marriage and when children were born. Lived in various parts of England but didn’t find a church I felt at home in. Always believed in God and prayed often but not regularly.
My parents sent me to Sunday school. Vicar of Church of England church knocked on my door and invited me to confirmation classes. Went onto be confirmed and felt at home in this church. I was married there.
Drifted through my 20’s and 30’s.
Son aged 20, attended church at University and on home visits. Invited me along. Brought me to St John’s, good welcome. Felt at home here at last.
Challenges of life have angered me but made me realised I am not alone and the Lord is with me if I will let him lead me.
You will have many doubts, but these can be overcome if you trust. The Lord will help you and even if you don’t get what you ask for – you will find peace and love.
God called me at the age of 58 when I had lost everything in my life.
I had no experience of church, but was born again in 1994.
I have been following the Lord for 14 years now and am amazed what he has done in my life (a new life).
Trust in him and all things are possible. Amen!
I was brought up in a Christian home. I was challenged by my Sunday school teacher and became a Christian when I was about 13.
After I left home and started nursing my habit of church going kept me going to church and joining the hospital Christian fellowship (which was pretty small).
Thought about missionary work. In the end I did 3 years associate work overseas. I always read the Bible regularly, sometimes brief when busy: now I am retired I can take my time and it is a great source of inspiration. I feel God has always guided and taken care of me, though sometimes – mostly, it is easiest to see this in retrospect – at the time some decisions were difficult.
Piece of advice: regular bible reading and prayer are of great value in my journey of faith.