I grew up in London next to a rough council estate. Went to church on Sundays and learnt all the stories about Jesus. The knowledge was there. It was always hard though to discard those influences from peers and I ultimately succumbed to them. There were the usual teenage growing pains. My 2 younger sisters and me were always arguing and my parents have always been there supporting all three of us. I’d always had a Christian upbringing but God wasn’t real to me in my daily life. I did make a commitment at the age of 16, but it did not really affect my life from day to day. God was in the Sunday box not my life box.

I ended up in prison for 3 years until 2003. Once again, I grew closer to God and was blessed with the gift of poetry writing over 50 poems and songs. After I left prison, I drifted for 6 years aimlessly; my life lacked any substance or direction. That was until 4 weeks ago when I was dragged along to WSBC and God took his chance to call me back. I hadn’t been in a church for years but immediately felt the Holy Spirit’s presence; no matter what I tried, nothing could stop it. I knew things weren’t right and my stone heart was smashed. A love I couldn’t begin to describe was challenging the sin in my life. There was turmoil inside me. I’d been Satan's for 6 years and he wasn’t going to let me go easily. After discussion at home with family friends I made the prayer which has changed my life beyond recognition.

I used to get angry really quickly and was not a nice person. I’m now more relaxed and take things in my stride, habitual sins have ceased. I no longer rely on myself to solve a problem. I have a stronger ally constantly at my side. I see now he was always there. I just chose to ignore him. Things just seem to fall into place; an indefinable order has replaced that chaos. Every part of my life I have given to him and reaped the benefits as well as the challenges; there’s a serene peace that I feel now instead of a lonely emptiness facing this harsh world.

To be baptised is something as I’ve discovered from reading the gospels afresh is necessary and I have never been so close to God as I am now. He commands us to be baptised as a public recognition of being reborn in his light. Secondly, it’s a personal thing I want to do it honouring his sacrifice for me. He got me through the dark valley and brought me out into the light. Without him carrying me at times, I would not be standing here today. I’m ready to move forward with him at the helm.

June 2009