I was born in a non Christian household - my father an atheist, my mother an agnostic.  Their attitude towards Christianity was somewhat indifferent.  They never  objected to my brother and I going to church with the  neighbours,  although this was only for a few weeks at a time as we easily got bored. 

When I was 10 years old someone came to my school and preached the gospel.   I signed a piece of paper saying I was born again because everyone else did,  but it didn’t mean much to me.

At High School my friends seemed to fall into two categories:  Those who went to church, and  those who didn’t. 

Those who went to church were all very caring, giving, loving, friendly, accepting people with whom  I always felt comfortable.   Those who didn’t were on the whole the opposite.  Although no-one ever preached the gospel to me, and although I had no interest in God, my heart was warm towards Christians generally.

I discovered Phil. 4:13,  “I can do all things in Him who empowers me”.

When I had finished my university degree I started post-graduate studies.   At that time one of my friends introduced me to a selling scheme.   I saw this as an excellent way to make money so focused more and more on it.   By the end of the year I had just about dropped out of university and was putting every spare minute into this scheme.

However, I had little success in this scheme either.   At business meeting on January 1997 I stayed behind and was crying, saying I couldn’t do anything.   The couple  who’s house I was in asked me if I had considered God, and gave me a Bible to read.   I discovered Phil. 4:13,    “I can do all things in Him who empowers me.”   This was the hope that I needed.  Then later in  January  I was at another Christian’s house.  He shared with me a verse he had enjoyed,  and asked me if I wanted God to be my life.   I knew that was what I needed.   He led me to pray,  to confess my sins,  and to receive Jesus.   He told me there was a meeting at 10 am on Sunday, gave me directions,  and some booklets to read.   I came along every week, and six weeks later I was baptised.

KL