LT's Story

I had no church background whatsoever. In my younger years – the effects of being abused and ‘going off the rails’ had meant that I was very hostile and suspicious of people. I had built up a strong, protective barrier: I didn’t trust anyone.

As a teenager, I had an active social life and I thought I was doing OK, but I was a mess! My constant activity was a cover up for the emptiness I felt inside that I needed to fill, but I didn’t consider for a moment that God was the answer. He didn’t fit into my lifestyle, and I was very critical of ‘religious people’. In fact, the last time I’d encountered one of them, I’d slammed the door in her face after she’d told me Jesus loved me!

Then a week later, God was really on my case. I suddenly realised how badly I had messed up! I had joked about heaven and hell, not realising I would end up in hell because of my sin.

I now knew I had been turning my back on the one person who loved me unconditionally: JESUS, the Saviour of the World, who took MY sin upon Himself. He died to take MY punishment, was resurrected by the power of God and defeated death so that my sin could be forgiven.

I asked Jesus to be my Saviour and gave my life to God. I felt such a peace flood my life. I knew that I had a fresh start, and I felt ‘cleaned up’!

Since then, I can’t imagine not having God in my life – sometimes things have been great, sometimes things have been tough, but I have God to guide me, support me, and put me right when I go wrong.

God has shown His power in so many areas of my life: health issues, depression and occult deliverance. I have known His strength when dealing with bereavement and the effects of abuse.

Being a follower of Jesus means that I have a relationship with someone who loves me, is actively involved in my life and will never give up on me. I didn’t find God – HE found ME and I know that I am free from sin and shame, guilt and condemnation because of Jesus… and nothing can ever separate me from His love. – L.T.