Brian - United Kingdom

Nickname: Wellsman

I used to think I had been a Christian all my life, being born into a Christian family. But, situations, events and particularly crises made a real challenge to my faith from time to time. I have found my Christian-journey to be one of ups and downs, growth and plateau. I have never felt that I was outside of God's grace, but daily I need to confess to Him and know His forgiveness.

The real turning-point for me came after a time of depression which lasted a few years - I think it was caused by a lack of direction in my life - I didn't know where to go or what to do next. Following a church-family weekend studying the gifts and fruit of the Holy Spirit, I knew that the Lord was urging me to give myself anew to Him and His purposes. I started praying more regularly, and over the following few weeks felt a surge of energy, a greater desire to look for the good in all things and all people, and a greater commitment to prayer and worship that led to a deeply personal experience of "the weight being lifted" and like Wesley commented - "a strange warming in my heart." My life had changed! I now knew the path set out for me and began to make plans for the next stage in my Christian life, which for me and my wife was full-time Christian ministry.