All my life I had been made to feel afraid, being used and abused by others. But, from the first time I started to attend services at ChristChurch Tilehurst, I felt as though I was visiting a beautiful family home. I was immediately welcomed by everyone I met. I have been gifted a church family and I’ve felt a part of it from the first moment. Jesus’ love and goodness flowed through my brothers and sisters there.
“I needed a cure in my life and Jesus is it!”
After trusting Jesus and joining his church, I quickly started to overcome my fears and low self-worth. The lyrics from the song ‘In Christ Alone’: “No power of hell, no scheme of man can ever pluck me from his hand” is the best news! I needed a cure in my life and Jesus is it!
Things are slowly starting to be absorbed into me, and the realisation that Jesus led me to Torch is sinking in more and more. Torch filled the gaps which some fall through, and I just would like to say a heartfelt thanks to these people who really move mountains; for the encouragement their love brings, and the life Jesus brings.
I now confidently walk in the light. My life is completely different to how it was for 25 years before I heard the gospel. I was living in a dark way – in many ways deep sin had taken hold, left and right. Both mine and others around me. But I have now turned from my old way of life and I feel honoured to live to serve and worship my Lord and Saviour.
“I no longer need to be scared to walk in this world …”
I want to share this good news with anyone who will listen! I no longer need to be scared to walk in this world as he will never leave me on my own – he is always with me. Thank you, great Lord!
I would like to encourage other people with my experience – Jesus really has cured my pain. I realised just how lucky I am to have come through so much, and so thankful to be chosen by God to grow and help others find love in their hearts again like I have.
Story published with permission.
Sally-Anne became a client of Torch at the beginning of 2022, when she needed help with her wellbeing. Torch volunteers visited her regularly and later introduced her to ChristChurch Tilehurst. She got baptised in September 2023.