Thought for the week ...

Seeing things through different eyes

26th September 2021

(we were unable to publish the newsletter after this date - to recommence asap)

Kelly's Testimony
(If you would like a full version of Kelly’s testimony, please ask Pastor Anna).

My family was made up of a mum and dad, an older sister and two younger sisters. Nothing out of the ordinary with that you might think? Well, I’ll give you a glimpse into my life and you can decide for yourselves.

My story starts before I was even born, my mum was known to social services – she was abused by her dad as a child - suffered recurring bouts of depression as an adult, and had an abortion before I was born; while my dad was a drinker; and both were users of people.

I was HATED BEFORE I WAS EVEN BORN - REJECTED at birth, and born into a family where a mother’s unconditional love for her child wasn’t given to me. I WAS AN OUTCAST.

My mum told social services she didn’t like me. She was given support to help her with the negative feelings she had towards me - sadly this didn’t help because at 9 months old I was admitted to hospital because I was ‘FAILING TO THRIVE’.

You will have heard, or even used the ‘throw away’ phrase ‘I could kill you’. Well… my mum tried twice. Once when I was 6 months old, she put me in the ashbin - and left it out ready for collection.

The second time I was at secondary school when she tried to drown me causing injuries to my head – I told the school who alerted social services – they didn’t believe me. NOBODY EVER BELIEVED WHAT I SAID.

BUT MANY YEARS LATER…. THE DIFFERENCE JESUS MAKES!

One day I decided to take my two little ones to ‘Little Streams’ the play group here at The River.

I started talking to Anna – well not talking really every time she spoke, I kept crying - I just couldn’t stop.

One day she said ‘why don’t you come along to a Sunday service’?

I was terrified of going but eventually I did even though I was made to feel really welcome I was SO STRESSED.

I went most Sundays after that and spent every week crying but I didn’t know why – I just couldn’t control it. Anna said it was Jesus working in me – starting to cleanse and heal me.

A few weeks later I told Anna I felt I was ready and I wanted to give my life to Jesus. AS SOON AS I SAID IT, I FELT DIFFERENT INSIDE EVEN THOUGH NONE OF MY CIRCUMSTANCES HAD CHANGED.

I just want to share some short testimonies: - I truly believe these were Jesus himself.

One night I dreamt the words Gideon, Gideon, Gideon but as I can’t read properly and I don’t know the bible or anything I asked Anna what it meant – she said Gideon was a warrior of God. The meaning of Kelly – is Warrior.

I saw a vision of a dark tree, and in this tree was a pair of hands coupled together – this tree then began to blossom. I asked what this meant and was told it was me. I was the tree dark and without life, then God came into my life and the tree began to blossom. But no one was sure about the hands until a few weeks later a speaker was at the River – it was called the Potter’s Hand and during their teaching a picture came up, it was exactly what was in my vision. The Potter’s Hands – the creator God was carrying me in His hands.

MY LIFE NOW - WITH GOD. Well…
Life is hard at times and tiring but we look at our blessings not our problems we hand them over to God to deal with and trust it will all work out as He wants it to.

I don’t worry, stress, or get frightened so much I put it all into prayer instead
I don’t feel so alone anymore, and when I do I know God is with me.

I know I am loved.

When something happens, I don’t get so emotionally upset, I give it to God and I know He will be with me through it, and carry me when I can’t do it in my own strength anymore.

I know my life is mapped out by God and I don’t need to worry – He’s told me everything will be ok.

I’ve forgiven my mum (and others) for all the hurt they have caused me and I’ve let it go so it no longer has a hold over me.

My husband and I both have very successful businesses and we do a lot to support others in need.

MY LIFE HAS BEEN TRANSFORMED.

I NOW HAVE FAITH, LOVE, HOPE, AND A FUTURE

All because I said YES - I will follow you Jesus.