Featured Stories
Keith
I’ve lived in Gloucester all of my life. From a young age I experienced a lot of negativity in my life, was neglected and abused as a child, was surrounded by spiritual oppression and made some really bad lifestyle choices. This all came to a head in the early nineties when I was diagnosed with a serious illness which resulted in lots of time in and out of hospital. To make things worse, so-called ‘friends’ stole almost everything I owned, leaving me with literally a suitcase of clothes. By this stage I’d had enough and wanted to end it all. God had other ideas though and so, into my darkness he shone a light of hope, creating a new heart and perspective, giving me a future worth living for. I’ve been a christian ever since.
Louise
I was bought up in a Catholic home going to church every Sunday. When I was 15 I lost interest in going to church and started going to clubs and getting drunk a lot with friends. By the age of 17 I was completely off the rails sleeping around and going out drinking most nights. At 18 I knew my life was going nowhere, my dad was an alcoholic and I decided I didn’t want to end up like that. A friend told me I needed to go back to church. So I went back to the Catholic church but felt just the same when I left as when I went in. I eventually found myself in a Pentecostal church and realised it wasn’t church that was going to change my life but a relationship with Jesus!
Kye
I am 18 and have grown up in church. For a long time all that mattered to me was having a girlfriend and my reputation. A year ago I made a big mistake which could have led me down the wrong path. However, God opened my eyes to the bad attitude that I had, and helped me to turn my life around. Since that point in my life, God has blessed me with a fantastic job, a boss who not only helps me with my career but also with my faith, and a long term relationship. I no longer feel that I need to live up to a reputation, and can therefore be the man that God has called me to be. I’m certainly not perfect, but I know that God loves me even when I make mistakes.
Paul
I’ve been a Christian since age 9 and through some ups and downs since then I truly know that God is my solid foundation. He brings; Peace – I know that my sins are forgiven through Jesus and that God understands and loves me no matter what. All I have to do is believe, ask for forgiveness and I’m clean! Purpose – I’m not drifting aimlessly, or frantically struggling to make sense of it all. I know that I have a destiny and that the Holy Spirit enables me to apply gifts and talents both within the church and in everyday life. Pleasure – Serving God and others brings pleasure to God and real personal fulfilment. It’s great to look beyond the ‘I want’ culture that typifies our consumer-driven age. I really appreciate good things, but pursuing these doesn’t consume me. It’s a great journey!
Caroline
I had a great childhood. My parents were Christians so we went to church regularly but it was always because of their faith rather than my own. When I was 16 I realised that although I knew a lot about Jesus I didn’t really know Him so I made the decision to follow Him and all that He stood for. Years later I can honestly say that life would be so boring without Him. He gives me purpose and although I mess up and I sometimes make mistakes, He is always constant. Jesus gives my life meaning and hope and I couldn’t imagine it without Him. He is amazing!
Leigh
I’ve always believed in God from as young as I can remember. I used to hide under my blankets so God couldn’t see how naughty I was. I booked my place in heaven aged 27 when I asked Jesus into my heart and life. That was the straight forward part, now I had to try and follow him and become more like him. 10 years later I wanted to take my own life because my life had got so painful. There were areas of my life that I wanted to be in control of and it all went very wrong. Well God saved me again and this time he really helped me to restore my life, faith and damaged personal relationships. Today, life’s the best it has ever been. I’m a new person with a hope for the future. My relationship with Jesus means everything and has to come first in my life.
Ian
My life before becoming a Christian from the outside looked perfect. Good job, my own house, great friends and great family. But from the inside, I was full of doubt, anger, greed, arrogance and a need to impress people through things. Most of all there was an emptiness that I could never quite put my finger on. In fact how many grown men break down in tears in the middle of a busy town… talking to a pastor? I went away with one prayer, please Lord help me! I want to come home. Since that day, with God’s grace, word and love I have been blessed with the power to love, forgive and accept. I have met some wonderful people and know that God directs my steps. I still have my job, my house, great friends and the best family I could ever wish for, as well as many flaws (ask the above). The emptiness has been filled by Jesus Christ with his forgiveness, love and love of us all.
Dan
I suppose you might say I’ve led a pretty average life. When I was younger I drank too much alcohol and took too many drugs, but still managed to work hard and just about keep things together. I’ve been blessed with good friends, a lovely wife, son and daughter, and had reasonably good health throughout. Despite this I’ve still had to face common issues- being made redundant twice, suffering from bulimia, anxiety and getting into financial debt. The reality is that life still throws up huge challenges, but the difference for me now is that I know my future is in God’s hands and since He has never failed to get me through, I have no reason to doubt Him. God brings me a peace in life, despite the trials, that I can barely describe and only experience by letting God lead the way. No more bulimia or anxiety, the debts nearly paid off and I have a great job – all this from trusting God – not bad eh?
Louisa
Looking back I now realise that there was a part of me that was always looking for God. When I was a teenager I questioned things all the time and had an opinion on everything. I enjoyed life. I had a job, boyfriends, a great family and social life, but I remember always feeling like something was missing. I remember lying in bed almost every night thinking about life and death and feeling this overwhelming feeling that I was missing out on something that I was supposed to be a part of but didn’t have a clue what it was. Through a series of events I ended up at Robinswood church where I finally found all the answers to my questions in a relationship with Jesus. Someone once said to me that everyone has a God shaped hole in their lives, that was me, I didn’t realise what it was until God filled it. The knowledge that God has a plan and purpose for my life gives me peace and confidence in everything I do. I have been a Christian now for nearly 23 years and I have never looked back.
Ben
Ever since I could remember I have always been in and around Christians, I have been raised in a very strong loving, caring and fun family who really love me and appreciate me. I’ve been a Christian now for 10 years and God has really blessed me. I’m really the type of person who if I decide not to do something you will know about it but with the way I am, God has always used my character to the best and positive advantages of my life. I will do anything for my family and also friends closest to me even though they might not do the same for me.
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