Charlotte Chapel

Are you like me?

I had never considered myself to be a "Christian", just a good person. I am married, I have one child, a dog and am in full time employment... Mr Average, always "happy with my lot", or was I?

I have both Christian and non-Christian friends. I first heard about Christianity Explored through one of those Christian friends... in fact it was more of a bet! I was in the process of studying and was apprehensive about the exams which were fast approaching. My friend said that she would pray for me if I would consider attending the Christianity Explored course. Having always had unanswered questions I looked forward to the debate.

I attended the course every Monday night for ten weeks. To start I would relax and have a coffee and chat with the others; we would listen to the speaker, then get into groups which were a good mix with people just like me, both Christian and non-Christian. There was no pressure and the people were great. In our group we had lively and thought provoking debates as well as a laugh. Many of my own questions were answered. The course was like a journey for me, I started to see things from another perspective. I enjoyed the course and would thoroughly recommend it to everyone. All the people were so friendly.

As for me? My journey went onto a successful end and I am now a Christian... Oh yes, my exams. I passed, or was it the power of prayer!!

I would thoroughly recommend the Christianity Explored (CE) course.

My chiropractor introduced me to the CE course as a way of answering my many questions I had. I knew my chiropractor was a Christian and attended church, therefore I thought he could answer my questions. At the time I did not know what I believed in and had come to a place in my life where I needed answers and a purpose to my life. Living for myself was not an option I enjoyed anymore and I felt empty and alone.

I went along to the CE course in October 2003 and after the first week I was hooked. It was not the Bible bashing older person brigade I had expected. Instead what I found were people from all ages and all walks of life, from accountants, pharmacists and lawyers through to housewives, full time carers and those in between jobs (which I was). The course is very well laid out and is very interesting. It is well structured but at the same time informal and you are never put under any pressure to talk or become a Christian. You can join in as much as you like, but you just cannot help joining in as it is so enjoyable, and at the same time challenging.

After examining the evidence I knew that God existed and I took a step of faith and became a Christian. My life has now changed; the way I think, how I act, what I say. I now have a purpose driven life. I know that no matter what happens in this life, God is with me every minute of every day and that he will never leave me and will never take me beyond what I can endure. God wants to have a relationship with all of us and it is up to us to accept the gift he wants to give us and open the door to him.

I have helped out in the last two Christianity Explored courses and intend to continue being involved. So if you decide to come along I might have the opportunity to meet you and hear your story. What have you got to lose? A couple of hours each Monday, at worst, and at best the chance to make new friends and change your life for the better.