Martin

I used to think that you only became a Christian when you’re surrounded by other Christians: my conversion was a largely solitary one. It started with one of life’s mini-crises which found me praying to God for help. This time I felt I had to do something in return. My prayer was answered, of course. My side of the bargain was to read the Bible cover to cover. I went through it all – and found it full of wonderful human stories, as well as the most comprehensive and sane ethical teaching I’d ever read, and within just over a year I managed to finish it. Over that year, one by one, all my misconceptions about Jesus just fell away – and I was left with the inescapable conclusion that I must be a Christian. It was only then that I started going to Emmanuel, which is my local church.

I’ve been a member of Emmanuel for about 15 years now. One of the great things about being involved in a church like Emmanuel is becoming part of a large community.

Over the years I’ve got to know many wonderful people, and had to say fond farewells to a good number too, but it’s like a family – some move away, but new ones come along. Over the years, I’ve been involved in a great many things, including serving on DCC, sacristy, leading a Housegroup, Prayer Ministry, and even tried my hand at churchwarden. Currently I play bass guitar in the Music Team on a fortnightly basis – which is both an honour and a pleasure.