A Ruined Jumper Saved My Life!

 

David was not impressed. I'd washed his cream jersey with his mum's new red dress. The result, one pink sweater and a fragile peace between the three of us shattered. Bitterness and resentment poured out from me. Things were said that were instantly regretted but somehow felt justified. Self righteousness and self pity weighed me down. Where to go? What to do?

That night I prayed. I had prayed before but never with such desperation. I had split up from my wife earlier in the year and was living alone in a flat over a kebab shop. I had been looking after my two younger children while their mum had been to her brother's wedding in the Caribbean. My stepson, David, still lived at the matrimonial home with his mum and siblings. I felt totally abandoned and empty. No hope. I prayed in the bath, out of total desperation. God, what could I do? Please help me!

I got an immediate answer! Not a voice, nor a vision, just a feeling in my heart that I should apologise to my wife and stepson, ask for their forgiveness and replace the jumper. No way! I was the wronged one. Why should I apologise. I certainly was not going to replace the jumper. The message came back, stronger and more assertive. "Apologise to them both, ask for forgiveness and replace the jumper."

I telephoned a friend of mine, Howard James, who I knew was a Christian. I relayed my story to him. "It sounds like the Holy Spirit has been speaking to you" was his response. I had no idea what he was talking about. "Why don't you come to church with Jenny (his wife) and me on Sunday?  Come back to our house for dinner afterwards and we'll pray for you." I knew where his church, the Church of Christ the King (CCK), was because I had visited there with Howard for a taster of something called the Alpha Course, an introduction to the Christian faith.

I turned up at the church on Sunday, explaining at the door that I was meeting Howard. A very kind steward took me up to the main hall where we located Howard and Jenny. It was weird, not church as I had ever previously experienced. At the front of the main hall was a stage on which a rock band was positioned. They burst into what could have been a classic rock anthem, complete with drums, bass and screeching guitars. An angelic looking lead singer poured out her heart. The words of the song were posted up on two large screens and a number of TV monitors positioned around the hall.

There were probably more than five hundred people standing, some jumping up and down, some dancing, all singing songs of worship. I found it all very unnerving. This went on for about half an hour before we all sat down and, following some notices and a collection, someone dressed in jeans and a casual shirt stood on the stage and preached for about 45 minutes. The thing that struck me above all else was the number of young people in the congregation.

After coffee and meeting some of Howard and Jenny's friends, we went back to their house and enjoyed a lovely dinner. Then Howard and Jenny prayed for me. I felt renewed. I visited CCK most Sundays from then on and attended a full Alpha Course. I accepted I was a sinner, repented, asked Jesus in my life and gave my life to Him. My feelings of desperation just went. I was calm and felt as though I had come home. I was baptised in water and later received spiritual gifts from the Holy Spirit.

My life has completely changed. I am, as the Apostle Paul says in the bible, a new creation. I am not perfect and accept that I’ve only got this far because of God’s grace. I have witnessed miracles and healings. I have made many new friends. God has blessed me financially and in many other ways. If you want to hear more of my story, please contact me.

Paul Forrest

Tel: 01273 710523

Mobile: 07906 710979

Email:paul.forrest@articlewriter.biz