Changed Lives!
Jesus offers us life, and life in abundance. Here are the stories of some of us in Waterfront who have found just that...
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John, Lead elder and pastor of Waterfront. "Prison's the only place he's headed for!" Don't you just hate it when people put you down and stereotype you? I was only a kid when that was said of me, admittedly having just been dealt with somewhat lightly in the eyes of many by a juvenile court! |
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In many ways the expectation was justified as I was rather wild as a young teenager. In fact the prediction actually did come true but with me becoming a Prison Governor not a prisoner!
The change of direction that eventually led to me becoming a governor and now a church pastor began as a young soldier when I rather painfully encountered Ben Hale, an Army Chaplain,on the rugby field! Through him I encountered the real Jesus and saw that far from being empty headed softies, Christians were really tough, honestly faced the realities of life and had answers that actually worked! I saw that the things I proudly boasted of were the very things that ruined my life. I saw that Jesus, God’s only Son, came to bear the cost and consequences of my sin and could actually give me real life. Kneeling down by my bed in the barrack room, surprisingly unembarrassed at the presence of my fellow squaddies, I thanked God that Jesus gave his life for me and that I was desperately sorry for my sin and arrogance. I asked him to forgive me and change my life and that’s exactly what happened and continues to this day.
I met Jesus, it’s as simple as that and so can you.
Jason, 36, bakery trainer. 
Hi. My name’s Jason. I’m married with two children. I’m originally from Hatherleigh in West Devon, where I lived until moving to the beautiful city of Plymouth in 2000. It was this move that brought me to know that God was the only answer to a life where sin had taken a hold of me.
I started going to church because we were living with my wife’s parents and I felt obliged to go with them every Sunday. As I listened to what was being said each week I began to ask questions of myself. I think I was searching for something to fill a hole in my life. A friend then invited me to an Alpha Course. As the weeks went by I found that every question I had was answered, and not only that but it made perfect sense. I was about seven weeks into it when I had no questions left and found myself giving answers to others on the course! It was then I knew I had to give my life to God and what a relief it was when I finally made that decision. It was as if the shackles were off and I was free.
Knowing God as I have now for some six years has made such a difference not just to my life but my family’s lives also. My relationship with my wife is very different; our love is much stronger than before as I have grown in respect for her. I truly feel head of my home, not in a manly pride but knowing we are equal in God’s eyes and knowing my wife has a true respect for me.
To know God is freedom, freedom from a life that’s dirty and full of sin, to a life full of hope and forgiveness. I now know God and I thank him every day for all he’s done. If you see me out and about and wish to know more of how God has made a difference in my life, just ask! I’d love to share God’s promise with you
Learn more about the Alpha course.