Donna

Donna worships at Christ Church, Bridlington and joined Stepping Up in Bridlington.

My journey started nearly two years ago and it has been a journey! Two year ago I was blind to what God could do in my life. I felt like I was just existing and not living the way God had planned for me. Now I see and feel how God is working in my life. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life John 14:6.

I was on a very dark path of destruction, with no hope, no clear guidance in my life. I’ve been addicted to heroin or alcohol from the age of 17. I had tried many things to help overcome my demons but nothing worked until my brother got out of Christian rehab and told me that Jesus is what I needed in my life. So, on March 4th 2020 as I lay on a mattress on my living room floor I cried up to God to please help me – and from that day my life changed.

I started by doing a Twelve Step programme with Margaret Dye and volunteering at Restore at Christ Church Bridlington – it’s a drop-in service where people can get support/food/clothing and other help. On June 12th 2020 I came off my methadone with really no withdrawal symptoms – that has to be a miracle what God did for me, because usually you are very poorly from it.

I have gone on to be a leader of our delivery team at Restore where we get food parcels delivered to people who cannot get out for different reasons. I have done two Alpha courses, been baptised and confirmed, and am nearly at the end of the Stepping Up Programme with others in the first Bridlington group. I have had the privilege of going to see the Archbishop of York at Bishopthorpe Palace on two occasions, which is a massive milestone. Two year ago I would not have imagined me going to a place like that.

I just hope that anyone who listens to my story and is in a similar position to what I was would really think about opening their heart up to Jesus. The doors that he will open for you will blow your mind. The people he will put in your   path will help untangle all your mess and show you how beautiful life should be. You will feel a sense of peace and love that only he gives.