Sheila has been a Christian for over fifty years, since she was thirteen. She didn’t have any ‘amazing conversion experience’; she was brought up in a Christian home, always believing in God.

“I actually used to resent the fact that I didn’t have a ‘dramatic testimony’ like others. I had to give up this attitude as I realised God was in control of my life and had brought me the way I had come. It’s as I look back now that I realise some of the wonderful things God has done.”

Sheila realised, for example, that her ‘good upbringing’ had in fact made her a very self righteous person.

“I was horrified at how opinionated I could be, looking down on others. I had to seek God’s help to get free of it.

“I even had to ask for prayer to be a good mother. Although I had four children, motherhood didn’t come naturally to me. And God gave me a deeper love for my children and a ‘motherhood’ which has extended to many others over the years.”

Then there was the time that Sheila knew she really was a sinner. Not just because it was written in the Bible, but because she felt it deep inside.

“I finally understood God loved me because He is love! I did not deserve it, but He chose to love me! This made such a difference to my life.

“In the past year God has been dealing with things associated with my relationship with my mother who died fifteen years ago. This has brought me such freedom from guilt.”

But life is still full of new surprises. Far from looking forward to a quiet retirement, Sheila is facing new challenges: with her husband, Victor, she has been visiting churches in Africa and now they have moved to Swansea to plant a new Jesus Army church.

“Thank You, Jesus, that I do have a ‘testimony’ that is ever expanding.”