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--MY TESTIMONY--

I was always very insecure - from the earliest memories of my family and school life. I was painfully shy and seemed to be almost constantly bullied at school.

In later years, initial work and social situations- didn't pan out as I had hoped. In fact, I could become even more 'withdrawn'.

I had always found music to be a 'happy escape'- mainly sitting in my room listening over and over to my favourite records. At 17, I decided I wanted to play an instrument. Although not my first choice, a guitar seemed like quite a 'cool' instrument to play.

Around this time, I began to drink usually moderate amounts- although up to four days of the week. Work prospects seemed to lessen-although I had been on Youth Training Schemes for 2 years; the idea of becoming a guitar hero seemed appealing! This (and other) ill-conceived ideas, partly led me into the world of heavy drinking and drug experimentation - cannabis and LSD, mainly (at the age of 20).

Over the next 19 years, less than 5 of those were spent in gainful employment. Some of this was due to ill-health; either due to my alcohol intake (which caused severe bouts of depression) or other 'issues'. So, for very close to 2 decades I was given over to experimenting with and abusing drugs, but the far greater problem I developed was that of my slavery to alcohol. I was constantly trying to run from something.

But I had always had some idea that going to Church might do me some good! Through friends, I went to a local church - just to 'have a see'. That was in early 2007. I found loving, caring friends there and wanted to go whenever possible- for Bible Study, Prayer Groups- anything that occurred there. After a few months I was playing in the band!

But my life outside the church was at an all-time low. I missed many meetings through my drinking and kept putting off returning through embarrassment!

This carried on until July 2009- when God answered my cry! Thank you Jesus. I've not touched any alcohol or drugs since I was SAVED!!! He let me go THAT FAR for a GOOD REASON! And that is so I can speak to those in need, by my 'witnessing' to others! How gracious and merciful is a God that would SAVE A WRETCH LIKE ME!!

Since then, I have been a commited Christian, reborn and given the promise of an Eternal Life of peace in Heaven.

FOREVER!

Where I live, I see people in the same place I was, less than 3 years ago- and some of these guys call into our chuch, because they feel safe and can see that WE CARE.

If we (in my church) were all 'perfect'- had led blameless and easy lives -, how could we show empathy and compassion and seem approachable to those who are in need? I'm STILL in need. I can't live without Jesus! Many of us have seen and done things we wished we'd rather not!

Jesus pulled me back from THE EDGE too many times too even contemplate. How many times did I feel myself going insane? Overdoses of pills, suicide attempts, I often had anger and hate for all I saw around me. I kicked against even my own parents.

But God held me together. Pulled me through, and moulded me into someone far more focussed. And everyone I know has seen the complete change in me. Born again? Oh yes; it's as Jesus said to Nicodemus!!

So, my desire is to Glorify and Magnify the name of my Lord & Personal Saviour Jesus Christ- because I want others to know and love Him; by sharing some awesome blessings!
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Psalm 40: 1-5 (NIV)
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I waited patiently for the LORD;
he turned to me and heard my cry.

He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.

He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear the LORD
and put their trust in him.

Blessed is the one
who trusts in the LORD,
who does not look to the proud,
to those who turn aside to false gods.

Many, LORD my God,
are the wonders you have done,
the things you planned for us.

None can compare with you;
were I to speak and tell of your deeds,
they would be too many to declare.

Amen.