Our Easter Day 11am service featured two young men making first time professions of faith. Here’s what Gary and Ian had to say about their respective journeys towards faith in Christ.
Gary
My name is Gary Brown and I have been coming to St. Andrews Church on and off for about 5 years now, but for the past few months I have been coming much more. This is my story so far, about how I have got here and why I am on this path with God.
It started really when I met Rachel (my ace wife). Rachel and her family went to church and I decided that I would go with them, just out of respect for them. After a few services, I started to listen and take notice of what was being said, and the explanations given, and take them to heart.
This past year has been an up and down one for me, but no matter what has happened, the church and its members have been there for me and have prayed for me even when I did not know about it. It helped when I didn’t know what to do in life. When I heard that people were praying, I could not believe it. I was thinking, ‘Why pray for me?.’ I didn’t really think much of myself – but they did! It means a lot and it gave me the strength to move on and to walk forward.
Things began to move forward when I was asked to take part in the Alpha course. Before the course I started thinking that I could not be a Christian because of who I am, and the nerdy, geeky things that I enjoy! But after the course, that all changed. I felt that even a guy like me can and will be a Christian and go on in life.
At this years Mens Weekend, I grew in faith. The strength of the fellowship was amazing that weekend and that helped me not to worry as much because the church family is here for me (and for anyone who needs help.) The Mens Weekend got me thinking a lot more about Jesus and the more I thought about him, the more I cried – just thinking about what he went through for us all. Now when ever there is pain in my life I have to get up and walk on because no matter how bad it is for me, no matter how much pain I am in, it wont compare to the pain that he went through. The Holy Spirit is with us always. I feel that whatever life throws at me there is nothing that will bring me down. Believing has given me the power to walk when its hard to. Although I’m a new Christian, with lots still to learn, I know God will be with me supporting me everyday.
‘So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. “All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.’
Isaiah 41:10-13 NIV)
Ian
My name is Ian and I come from a non-Christian background and was never brought up with anything to do with church, although I was baptised as a baby. I have spent my life from a teenager till a couple of years ago wondering – sitting on the fence, as they say – if there was a God or not. I was never been able to accept it or rule it out. What if it was true and I was wrong? But at the same time, I couldn’t admit this to anyone around me for fear of ridicule. I couldn’t risk being seen in that way!
As i grew older I found alcohol and stuff and turned out not to be nice to people. I was angry, intimidating; I liked to throw my weight around, but when I was calm and quiet, I regretted the things I said or did to people. There had to be more to life. Something was missing. I couldn’t find any contentment in myself and so continued down the same road, finding a very low place in my life but pulled myself out of it before it was too late – but only just.
My life started to turn around after speaking to Fiona (my fiancé) when she told me she had a summer placement here at St Andrews Church. It was just at another difficult time in my life. We had met for coffee and a chat on the Sunday morning and I asked if she would mind me coming into the church to support her in her new placement – to be a friendly face in the crowd. I remember Fiona being so pleased at my offer so we came up to St Andrews and outside the door, I stopped and wondered: ‘Can I do this? Can I step inside there? Would I be welcomed? Am i dressed ok? I could feel my nerves going. What was I so frightened of?
Fiona reassured me and in I stepped. I sat near the back left-hand side, hiding behind the pillar – hiding my face, hoping no one would notice me or, worse still, come and speak to me! But they did! A few people came to ask if I was a visitor, welcoming me here. I said why I was here, all the time asking myself, ‘Why are strangers coming to speak to me why did they want to know about me?’
But during that first service, something happened. I cant say what it was. All I knew was that it wouldn’t be the last time I would be here in St Andrews.
I listened to the words and was amazed to find a band playing! The make up of the people inside, from young to old, from all walks of life, was eye-opening to me. I came back at my next opportunity and had the same warm welcome. I had the sense of starting to belong. A feeling of love was building in me. Every time i walked through the doors I felt like I was home, surrounded by people who loved and supported me. And each time I grew more hungry to learn about Jesus, about faith. I had so many questions running around in my head. But most importantly, I felt a peace growing inside of me. Things were happening to me. I was changing. The life I had known was fading. A new life was taking shape as I accepted a truth that I had been unsure about most my life.
My life is so much different. God has brought peace and happiness and light into my life. He brought my beautiful fiancée Fiona into my life and i thank him all the time for the patience he has shown me, sticking with me, never giving up on me. And I stand here today to testify to my faith and commitment to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
t: 01241 431135
e: office@arbroathstandrews.org.uk
