At 17 years old, I was enjoying myself, out to college dances, up to London with boy friends and so I thoughts was doing what all young people of my age were doing!

Then a boy friend across the road to me asked me out, but not on a Sunday, he went to church, and would not give it up for me, so, after much persuasion, I wanted to see him, so I went along too!

To my surprise, the young people were happy and were doing so much, this wasn’t what I had expected in a church! Like all good things my relationship was over and the young people prayed for me to stay, which I did.

I gave my heart to the Lord Jesus Christ, became very heavily involved in ‘Chingford Youth For Christ’ and was more than happy, except from within my home, I had opposition and many obstacles were put in my way to stop me going to church! But, I knew the Lord wanted to use me amongst children!

I wanted to be a Sunday school teacher, but there were no children, so I went out knocking on doors and got 12 on my first Sunday! I married a Christian leader in 1972, and the Lord led us, by prayer from London, to move here and work amongst the children in what was described as ‘a dry and barren land’. On moving we had no jobs, no money, but the Lord provided. One day a dead plucked chicken on the doorstep, a boot full of vegetables after doing a puppet show and love gifts of money.

For 27½ years we worked together in varied ministries, when tragedy struck and I lost my husband, I was devastated, money very short, severe depression even wanting and getting to the brink of suicide. But the Lord stepped in at the vital moment and stopped me. How could I afford giving a 10th of my income to the Lord, when I did not have enough to survive on? But I was told ‘you cannot afford not to give’, so I obeyed and miracles happened, money came in when I really needed I, help was there when I was down and had problems.

My mother died the same year and feeling low, the Lord gave me a wonderful companion, a dog called Jake. I had always said I wanted a dog that had need of me and me of him – here he was!

What now? I am once again back into ministering again and involved in church activities and personal counselling and looking forward to the future – for the Lord to lead and guide me. As the hymn writer puts it:

“Lord for the years, your love has kept and guided,
Urged and inspired me, cheered me on my way,
Sought me and saved me, pardoned and provided,
Lord of the years, I bring my thanks today.”