God's Love set me free
On 19th February 2006 I came to The Gate and responded to the sinners prayer. I was at rock bottom – one of my son’s had died, the other was using heroin and I was living in a women's aid refuge. I knew I needed God in my life – I had spent many years looking for Him and at times have felt He has deserted me. In fact, I used to wonder why He would even want anything to do with me because I was nothing but a waste of space.
But since becoming a Christian God has blessed me so many times. I now understand it's because He is a God of love. I screamed at Him, cried, shouted, and repented too many times to mention, but each time He welcomed me back with open arms. I read in the Bible that He would save my household and I used to remind Him over and over again about this when I was in the refuge but I just couldn't see how He was going to change this 6ft 5” drug addict with an attitude!!
But anything is possible with my God and over the months my son started coming to church. In November 2007 he went to Teen Challenge (a Christian drug rehabilitation centre in Wales) and when I speak to him I can hear the love of God in his voice. Becoming a Christian has not all been easy going - I have lost friends and family, but God has given me a new family that truly loves me unconditionally and when I fall down my Father is always there with His hand out ready to help me continue my journey.
My church is my family - they have supported me so many times. My son’s rail fare to Teen Challenge was paid by The Gate and every month he is sponsored £20 for himself. I lacked confidence as a woman but through the love and understanding of the congregation I have grown in myself and now feel part of a loving family with a loving Father at the head. Anybody who walks into The Gate can see and feel the love of God's people; in fact you can reach out and touch it, that's how real it is. Pastors Gordon and Fiona radiate a genuine love and concern for their congregation and can be approached for prayer or just a word of encouragement if you need it.