During this time I remember that a friend of mine, Ian Rayers, found that it was important to correct me and other friends when we blasphemed, saying that I was talking about a friend of his, Jesus. I was really impressed with this. Consequently, when he invited me to his church, Charles Street Gospel Hall, I was keen to go. I was really taken aback by how many young people there were there and their friendliness and enthusiasm. I can remember hearing two sermons in particular, one telling me of the reality of hell and the other of Jesus taking the punishment for all I had done wrong on the cross so that I do not have to go to hell. I really wanted to be forgiven and asked God for this and his power to live a new life.

Since then life has been very different. My purpose has been to serve him and tell others this wonderful news of God’s rescue. I have found life to be extraordinary and that God is there for me in the good and bad times. I have now been a Christian for about 31 years and the thrill and wonder of knowing God personally has never left me, that he is there for me in my family and social life and during my work as a teacher at Bungay High School. I deserve hell but he rescued me, suffering agony on the cross for me, rising again. My future is in heaven – I don’t deserve it, but I thank God for his gift.