Abbie's Testimony

Growing up, I attended a Catholic school and I heard basic Bible stories but never understood them. God to me was just a religion and a tradition of Christmas and Easter. I didn't even know what sin was.

A few years ago now I remember some friends would talk to me about Jesus & God and how they were saved; I just wasn't interested, I was blind as most of the world is. Things would happen in their lives and they’d talk about what God had provided. I just thought it was coincidence.

Eventually my curiosity took over and I started to ask questions &I went along to Worston Fellowship and I liked how friendly everyone was and how good the hymns and singing were. I carried on casually through life, attending Worston occasionally, asking questions here and there but not really bothered or interested, I had a life that I was happy with and that was that. What was the point of eternal life? You've got 80 years on earth, why talk about Jesus dying for me & my sins?

In summer of 2015 I was introduced to Martin Top. Again I attended a few times a little more regularly, attending the Christmas service, I met the lovely people and I started to enjoy it. It was the first time I fully understood what was being said to me. I wondered what it was all about and I wanted to know more.

Earlier this year again I was invited to a Christianity Explored course at Martin Top to learn more about Jesus and His life. It was a really great course. Then one night during that course the penny finally dropped and it was a light bulb moment for me. It clicked. I realised that I was sinner and God sent His only Son Jesus to die on the cross for me because He loves me so much. He gave His life all for me: wow!. Through His sacrifice I was forgiven of my sins and given eternal life. All it took was for me to believe. God’s grace is a free gift, we just need to accept it and that day it happened...

Amazing grace that saved a wretch like me, i once was lost but now I'm found, was blind but now I see. 

Ephesians 2:8 for by grace you have been saved through faith and that not of yourselves, it is a gift from God.

It was the best decision I've ever made and from then on I have continued to grow. I now call Martin Top my home and have gained a whole new other family. God not only sent His Son who died for me, forgave me my sins, loved me and transformed my heart. He has given me great people and so much more. Fellow Christians are full of love and support for each other.

My happiness and security was in things of this world but now my life is focused on Christ. If everything was taken away from me tomorrow I'd still have God who loves and cares for me as he says he will never leave me nor forsake me (Hebrews 13:5).

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water. Let us hold fast in confession of our hope without wavering for he who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:22-23)