Sheila's Story

I was married to my first husband for 22 years. It wasn’t a happy relationship by any means… in fact I was so unhappy in that relationship that I wanted things to end completely. I’d lost all hope and couldn’t find a way out. 

One day, whilst my husband was at work, I took a large amount of tablets in the hope it would all end. My husband came back at lunch time and found me unconscious. I was rushed to hospital and had my stomach pumped. Whilst I was there I remember the nurse asking “if you go home, will you do it again?”... I didn’t know what to say. I just couldn’t do it any more… I wanted out. 

I did make it home, but my husband became violent. I burst into tears and ran to the spare room and called out to God. “What have I done to deserve this?” I cried.

After a while I met my second husband. It was a happy marriage that lasted for 25 years. After he passed away I found myself in a dark place. I wasn’t sure where to turn and felt completely hopeless. 

My neighbour invited me to church one day and I decided to go with her. I needed something that would occupy my time! I started going to church more and more and eventually asked Jesus to come into my life. It changed everything. 

As soon as I made this decision I experienced a peace, hope and joy that I’d never known before. God’s love filled my heart and I was a changed person! 

I started volunteering my time at the church’s coffee shop, and then as a cleaner throughout the week; things I used to do many years ago, but this time with a fresh sense of hope and purpose. 

Being at church, and experiencing God’s presence, is my happy place. I love what I’m doing and I’m so thankful that Jesus has saved me from my old life and given me a bright future.