I’m not perfect but I know I can ask God for forgiveness and he helps me.

Many years ago I was very involved in a Methodist church. I taught in Sunday school and my children went regularly. I tried to do what I knew was right. After the children had grown up and we moved I stopped going to church as there was no church near where we lived, but I still prayed and sometimes read my Bible, especially at times when things went wrong.

Then about four years ago I was accosted one day on High Street in Clydach by a very nice, tall young boy called Tim. We got talking, and he asked me if I was a Christian. I said, ‘I believe I am’ but when he asked me if I went to church I had to say ‘No’. He told me about some special meetings going on in the church, just like the ones advertised in this paper. He invited me to the coffee morning and asked if I’d be interested in hearing Henry Olonga’s story.

When I went to the meeting, Tim was looking out for me and sat with me. I was unsure of what to expect, but I found the people were warm and welcoming. I enjoyed listening to Henry Olonga’s story of being a Christian and a cricketer. Afterwards Tim said ‘Why don’t you come on Sunday?’, so I did.

What I found really helpful in Bethel was that on Sundays the Bible was being explained. As I listened to the church services I felt I wanted to know more, so I kept coming. I got to know more about what the Bible meant and about its relevance for me. I even did a Christianity Explored course which helped me understand who Jesus Christ was and why he came. Before I came to Bethel, I had thought that going to church and reading your Bible and praying must mean I was a Christian, but I began to understand that’s not what makes you a Christian.

One night I was doing a Bible study with Paul from the church. As it was being explained to me, all of a sudden, I knew! I said to him ‘I finally know what you’re on about and I want to give my life to Christ’. I asked God to forgive me, once and for all.

I am a much calmer and happier person since I became a Christian. I’m not perfect but I know I can ask God for forgiveness and he helps me. I also feel part of the church, I belong there now and I want others to experience what I’ve experienced, so I try to tell people about what’s happened to me.

Being a Christian hasn’t always been easy. My husband David died a year ago and I’m still asking God ‘Why?’. But I know that I can trust God for everything and I know that God is going to look after me. I often think, ‘Why did we move to Clydach, when we didn’t know anyone here?’ and ‘Why did I go to High Street that day?’ – I don’t even remember what I was doing! But if Tim hadn’t accosted me I would never have gone to Bethel and never become a Christian. God knew what he was doing then, so I can trust him for everything that’s in store.