John

John is part of the community at Emmanuel Church, Bridlington and joined Stepping Up in 2023, he shares his story below.

My Mum and Dad were Christians, and I became a Christian on 13th of February 1978. I went to a meeting when someone was speaking about Heaven and Hell. I knew I needed to be saved, so I went to my bedroom and prayed a prayer, saying, “Dear Lord Jesus, please forgive my sins and come into my heart.”

I moved from my home town of Newcastle Under Lyme in Staffordshire to York in 2015 where I lived for a couple of years. There, I went to St Michael le Belfry, where I was made welcome. A lot of people helped me on my spiritual journey. I have found the best thing about being a Christian is showing Jesus’ love to others.

In August 2017, I got engaged to my wife-to-be, Amanda and moved to Bridlington. Initially we attended Christ Church and now we are at Emmanuel Church Bridlington, where we were made very welcome. 

I did the Alpha Course which helped me a lot. In the last session of Alpha, Liz came in, to tell us about the Mustard Seed programme. I was encouraged to do the Mustard Seed programme by Kev and Chrissy, who had already done it themselves, in the first Bridlington group.

I am really enjoying doing Stepping Up. For me, the best thing about it is getting to know Jesus more. Recently, I have been having Holy Spirit moments, when I have seen a bright and shining light coming over me. I had an experience of the Holy Spirit when I went with all the current Stepping Up groups to Bishopthorpe Palace in September 2023. I’m looking forward to what God has for me next in my faith journey.