I was brought up in a Christian home and I was taken to Church every Sunday by my parents so I thought that that meant I was a Christian, just like many people have fallen into the trap of thinking.

However, it was Easter people in 2004 when I realised that it was more than just going to Church, that a real Christian is about having a relationship with Jesus. When I offered my life to Christ, I felt the best feeling come upon me - it felt different from anything I had felt before; it was powerful but calm and refreshing. I still remember today what song was playing when I became a Christian - it was 'History Maker' by Delirious. This song really challenged and encouraged me to spread the great news that Jesus died so that we might spend this life and eternity with him - you just have to accept him into your life.

My life as a Christian has not been easy, but Jesus is always there for me even though I have gone in the complete opposite direction to his. He’s always put me on the right path when I’ve asked for his forgiveness. When I was at college in my second year, my desires were becoming more of what I wanted and less of what he wanted. My relationship with Jesus was not what it should have been. I wasn’t reading my bible and I just didn’t want to talk to him about anything. I went to Church and took in what was being said but I did not act upon it. I was in a bad relationship with a girl, I was going to parties and getting drunk and then coming to Church on a Sunday and acting like I was a Christian.

I was feeling really hurt and broken the week my girlfriend broke up with me. I ended up going to a party with my friends, got drunk and did stuff with another girl. Still nothing took away my pain. I was in such a dark place and I didn’t know what to do so I just called out to God. I’d had enough of what I’d become. I asked for His forgiveness and I felt his unconditional love come over me, it was amazing. My family, friends, and of course God, were there for me and helped me sort out my life. It was a long process but I gave up drinking and really got into my bible and my relationship with Jesus grew phenomenally.

I thought that I had blown it at college; all the efforts I had made to show my friends that God was real just seemed to go out of the window. But God is a God of second (and third and fourth and however many you need) chances and when he gave me one I took it with both hands. I was desperate to redeem myself and to be that salt and light that God commands us to be. Amazingly, and what I believe to be down to the grace of God, my friends were understanding and they realised that Christians aren’t perfect, even though they try very hard to be. I am now serious in my relationship with God and I know he is always there to talk to when troubles come my way.