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| The evangelistic newspaper of the modern Jesus Army | 2002 |
MY FAITH IN GOD IS HEALING ME
Life dealt its blows, but faith brought Diane new sense of optimism
AS DIANE'S family slowly disintegrated, she fell into depression which has been healed through faith and through becoming part of a 'spiritual family'.
Diane's mum was taken into a mental hospital when Diane was 4 years old. Her father was determined to look after his three children, rather than have them go into care. As Diane got older, she became 'mother' to the family.
"At the age of twelve, I had my first encounter with Christians. One day I saw the 'Glad Tidings' bus that used to come round our street. They held a kids' corner on a Wednesday evening and I started to going with my friends because it was something to do. I started attending Sunday school and after a bit the Sunday evening meeting. It was there I gave my heart to Jesus.
"There was a real change in my life. I found a boldness to talk to people about Jesus."
Diane's father remarried and she conflicted with her stepmother over her faith. At seventeen, Diane left home, but carried on going to youth meetings, mid-week cell groups and Church on Sundays. She felt "part of the family."
In 1988, Diane's father died of stomach cancer.
"Dad had brought us up and had always been around so I was very upset. I felt like part of me had been ripped out and was missing. I started suffering from depression. I was in hospital for several months at a time."
Diane decided to move: without telling anyone. She just got on a bus and went! But her depression got worse and she was in and out of hospital. She decided to come to Sheffield for yet another fresh start.
"I had stopped going to church, but I met a couple in a bed and breakfast who invited me along to the Jesus Army.
"There I made friends with Sharron and we started doing a Bible study together to help me understand more about God and His love for me.
"Now I have been baptised. I have re-found the ability to share Jesus with people, which I lost when the depression started.
"I am believing that God is healing me from my depression as I find my place in His family."
This article has been extracted from Streetpaper, published by Jesus Fellowship
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