My family and I joined Gateway Church in 2008 when I was 7, and my brother and I really loved it. I made a commitment in my heart when I was 8 and enjoyed reading my Bible and attending the events that church ran from a child to youth.
At 14 I made the decision that I didn’t want to attend church anymore. Nothing seemed to be going in, and I took a different path. During that time, I began to lose my way, became anxious and depressed. I felt empty - like something was missing in my life.
In September 2018, when I was 17, I started watching videos about having a relationship with God but it was being present at my gran’s passing in November 2018 that really drew my attention back to God.
My gran died peacefully without pain and with her family around her. Richard Burgess (a leader at Gateway) supported us throughout. My gran’s last words were “Okay” and she took her last breath as Richard said the last word from Psalm 23. I truly felt God’s peace as she left this earth and entered into heaven. My depression seemed to disappear too. My gran’s death could have made me sink into a deeper depression but it didn’t. I just felt God’s peace and still do.
I began to watch sermons by TD Jakes and Crefflo Dollar. I listened to one on Tuesday 5th February 2019 and felt convicted of my sin. I actually felt sorry for all I had done, as I know now that there is really no such thing as being a good person - we all have sinned. I came downstairs, sat with my mum and dad and with repentance in my heart asked God into my heart and for the Holy Spirit to come into my life.
My life truly changed that day. I started to feel hopeful instead of hopeless. I began to open my curtains, exercise, tell my friends and family about knowing that God is definitely real! I began to realise that I had authority over my emotions and what I thought.
“As a man thinketh, so he becomes” - and that verse really does play the biggest part in our lives.
I realise God was with me all the time too - even in those dark days. I am grateful to those who have prayed for me over the years and now.
I was lost and now I am found
Thank you, God.
- Lily Boardman-Holmes
Are you just looking? Just Looking is our group run by Pete and Fran Penberthy in June & July providing an excellent opportunity for those who would like to discover more about Christianity in a relaxed and friendly environment. The group runs on a Monday evening - to find out more talk to Pete and Fran, the Elders or the church office.
Gateway Church Ashford, is a church in Ashford, Kent, and is part of the New Frontiers movement and within the Catalyst Network sphere.