“My mother was a Christian and as a child I went to Sunday school, albeit reluctantly, but I did believe there was a God who had created our world. 

 

As an adult I sometimes went to church with my mother, for her sake, not mine, usually trying to think of an excuse not to go, but then felt guilty if I didn’t.  I preferred not to spend my Sunday mornings dragging the children along with me! 

 

It wasn’t until 50 years of my mother’s prayers that I had an experience I couldn’t ignore:

 

Following several turbulent years, I was divorced and moved into my new home, feeling this was the start of a new life. 

On one particular day, I was in my garden when I heard my daughter laughing in the house and I thought ‘now I have everything!’

Immediately I heard a voice, who I knew was God, “but you are spiritually dead, there is a God space in you that needs to be filled!”

 

I literally stopped in my tracks and knew this was going to be the start of seeking God for myself.  I also reflected on the times I had ignored his nudges. 

 

When I found the church that I knew was right for me, I spent around 18 months of feeling the minister knew me personally as he was pointing out things I needed to hear, usually leaving in tears, but desiring to go back for more!  On reflection this was a healing process which resulted in my wanting to be baptised so that I could declare my love for Jesus and how the Holy Spirit had been leading me in my life. 

 

It took my mother 50 years of praying for me to come to know Jesus as my personal Saviour and so I continue to pray for those I love who don’t yet know Him.  This revelation changed my life and I want the same for them." 

 

Jill