100 word stories

Is it possible to tell your story in 100 words, what's your journey of faith?

Jackie, church worker, married with a son

Rich's 100 words

"I discovered at college that life was exciting, freedom from home brought new adventures. It was the mid eighties and excess was the order of the day. I had grown up in a Christian school and believed in thanking God for good times and a quick prayer in tougher times. One night I was with a friend and we talked about prayer they asked to pray for me, I said no, freaked as to what might happen. In the end they did and I experienced an amazing peace. I gave God a chance – although now I think I found out a lesson in life – that night I discovered the chance Jesus gave me!"

Richard, creative director, married with 2 children

Sara's 100 words
"I was brought up going to church and have always believed in God. At thirteen, Mum and I started going to a ‘New Church’ that met in a home. We shared stories, songs, the bible and prayer. It was friendly, real and relevant. I was confident that God loved me and my future was secure. A few years later I felt compromised; I was a teenager in the eighties living in Essex, yet I believed that God had plans for me. I stopped, thought and decided to put God first. Following Jesus’ example isn’t always easy – but it’s fun!"

Sara, working mum, married with 2 children

Ian's 100 words

"I've always believed in God, and in my childhood I looked for him. It was at the age of 11 that I invited Jesus into my life and at about 15 that I experienced an inrushing of the Holy Spirit. The journey I am on has been marked by a love of the Bible which I read daily. I believe strongly in the church, (with all its imperfections) and have given many years of my life to serve in it. Within that time I have seen answered prayers and lives changed. Although it is not all plain sailing, I cannot think of a better way to live."
Ian, Teacher, married with 3 children

Sheila's 100 words
"I realised when I was 10 years old that although I had been brought up in a Christian family, a relationship with God was a matter of individual choice, so I accepted Jesus as Lord of my life and was baptised. My faith is of prime importance to me; knowing that God is my father, that he has a plan and purpose for me, that prayer changes things and seeing God move in my life and in those around me. God’s heart for justice and the poor have inspired my involvement with the AIDS charity, ACET, and becoming a magistrate."

Sheila, local JP, married with 4 children

Ted's 100 words

I believe God was looking out for me my whole life. I tried to join the church choir in Wilford Nottingham as a child but had to leave, later in my teens I joined a church youth group in Welling Lane, Edwalton Nottingham. In 1979 after I left the Army having served 10 years, I got to a very low state mentally and physically. I gave my life to Christ in 1980 at a Pentecostal service I attended with Jill who later became my wife. I have had many ups and downs since but my faith keeps growing and my love for God keeps increasing.

Ted is married with 3 children

Theresa's 100 words

"I was brought up a catholic and started to train to be a nun in my search for God. I then met the Holy Spirit and 3 years later became a Christian. I left God was homeless twice and abused, lost my son and was divorced and widowed. I came back to God and love every minute with Him, chatting, worshipping, and being blessed. Now I am totally fulfilled, yes we all have hard times but He helps you through them. He is my life, purpose and hope. He has always covered all my needs. He can be yours too!"
Theresa lives in Brentford with her daughter

Hazel's 100 words
"I thought I had it made!  First job, first home; educated, cultured, capable – but with a gap and a dissatisfaction with myself these could not satisfy. I wanted a God but couldn’t believe.  Finally, my friends’ inclusive love showed me God was real.  I said: ‘I give in, you must be there’.  I went to church; was welcomed, accepted and found relationship with Jesus through his Holy Spirit. Life opened up for me and I have never looked back.  Things haven’t always turned out as hoped but I am fulfilled and Jesus has given me joy and, in times of trouble, peace."

Hazel, lives in Ealing, works in charity sector

Steve's 100 words

“My journey to faith, and in faith, covers many decades. Having been brought up in a home with a strong Christian faith, my teenage years were spent often walking in the opposite direction. However at the age of 17 I encountered Jesus, heard what I had heard before, about his life, his death, his coming back to life and its significance for me. This time it made sense. I look back on those days, like a spiritual birth took place. I started a journey of faith with Jesus alongside. The years have seen ups and downs, but Jesus has remained true.”
Steve, lives in Ealing and with his wife

Anne's 100 words
"I grew up in the secure environment of traditional Church of England family values , attending Church every Sunday,  holding a child-like, unquestioning belief in God. At the age of 13, eager to  experience a Youth club, I attended the  YPF at the nearby Evangelical Church with my  friend. On that Saturday night, 28th October 1972, I experienced the presence of God in a way I had never known  before. It changed my life.  I waited until I was 18 to be  baptised in water, and experienced the baptism of the Holy Spirit four years later when I came to Ealing."     

Anne, Teacher, married with 3 children