Sue

As a child I went to church with my parents and looking back it felt to me more like a social event rather than a faith. It was very ritualistic, but my parents truly believed in their faith, based on their exposure to church and faith at the time.

I have always believed God exists, but that is as far as it went. I stopped going to church as a teenager, and it was only when I was getting married that I felt I needed a closer relationship with God. I knew I wanted to be married with God's blessing, but did not know how.

So my faith went on under developed, I did not have a relationship with God. When my second son Callum was born, I wanted him baptised, (not just to have an excuse to have a party) and did not want to be a hypocrite, so went along to St Erkenwald's to attend the service and discuss baptism with the vicar.

He told me about a course which would explore the issue more (the 'Encounter God' course). I thought it was baptism classes, so when I turned up and there were people of all ages and backgrounds I was a bit confused. I really enjoyed the course and went with an open mind.

I felt renewed and it wasn't about getting Callum baptised any more, but me discovering my faith and giving my life to Christ. It has been the best thing I have ever done. My faith continues to grow and I am slowly learning to let go of my control and hand over my life to Christ.

I have now been Baptised as an adult (full body water immersion) and confirmed, and I have truly chosen to do this through my love of God. I continue to worship at St Erkenwald's (nearly three years) and grow, as the Vicar, his wife and many of the congregation are so devoted to carrying out God's work and ministering to others.

It is not ritualistic and is constantly evolving as God leads it which helps keep me close to God and wanting more of Him.

With the birth of my third son I knew I did not want him baptised, as I feel I have grown and moved on, we had a dedication service instead and I know my children are in the embrace of God. Other members of my family have now come to faith in Christ, and I know with patience and prayer my husband will too.

I did not go looking for God, I did not find God, He FOUND ME Amen.