Al's Story

Developing friendships were always difficult for me. I was involved in many activities, but they were seasonal. I was content with seeing people during activities and move on to other groups when one sport ended and another began. Home was a refuge for me. When that got depressing, I was more than willing to do out of town work to get away from the situation I was getting myself into. I enjoy my work and hobbies. The volunteering I did for curling – club, association and coaching did get me in contact with people and all that work was enjoyable. When time commitments for coaching started to conflict with work I knew that coaching had to end for the short term. I also felt that I was missing something in life. The depressing thoughts were becoming a bit more common and persistent. I was able to fight through them, but life wasn’t much fun.

I had been raised in a Christian home. Most of the family went to church on Sundays and prayer was part of my childhood. Weekend sports and activities made church services an optional part of my life from my teen years on. Recently I starting thinking about the church as a place to find what was missing and get some help. Not realizing that the Lord was there with me through all my troubles and helping me get through the rough parts of depression. Where to go and what direction would it take me was the question.

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“Would you like to dance?” A simple phrase that has developed into a very warm and loving relationship. Marcia and I had crossed paths for many years, but that one request has turned my life around. I knew of her faith from the talks we had and was interested in coming to church and being part of her life. I was seeking. And I was asking questions. My knowledge of biblical history was good, but not my knowledge of the Word. Being with the members of the church was uplifting to me. It made me feel good about myself and my life. Marcia’s love and support has been tremendous.

It was the adult bible camp at Capernwray this summer that changed my life and I accepted Jesus Christ as my saviour. The title topic – John’s Gospel, Life Thru his Name. (Sorry Stephen(my pastor at Providence), it took a second reading of the Word for me to get the message as well as good people to spend quality time with, great discussions regarding John’s gospel and good long walks with Marcia. Most of the Monday evening session was becoming difficult to comprehend until Peter Reid was in his closing comments about Nicodemus and the need to be born again to accept Jesus as your saviour. “When you are welcomed into the House of the Lord and feel you have come home.” and “I feel that there is someone like Nicodemus in the room tonight”. I sort of lost it at that point and I did feel his presence. I didn’t realize it at the time, but my first day at Providence was a turning point in accepting Jesus Christ as my saviour.
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The Lord had been with me all through those difficult days and helped me battle my demons. He is with me now as my faith grows and my understanding of the Word becomes clearer. It makes the wedding planning with Marcia so much more special knowing that the Lord is with us in everything we do.

My life is revitalized, it has meaning, I enjoy all activities and I look forward to hearing the Word from the Pastors and meeting the church members. A burden has been lifted and I do not walk alone anymore. I know Jesus is guiding my life and keeping me on a righteous path. He will be with Marcia and I as we continue our life together into the future.