Always With Me – Maria’s Living Hope Story
“Since Jesus came into my life, I’ve found peace.” Maria first encountered God in prayer during a difficult birth with her first daughter. After trying different churches and settling at St Leo’s with her children, she now daily experiences the comfort of the Holy Spirit’s presence with her through prayer and reading the Bible. Watch the video below to hear her story. https://youtu.be/tFTZvpHx5Ig Use this link to follow @storiesoflivinghope on Instagram to watch more inspiring and encouraging stories from across the diocese. We
Another in the Fire – Clare’s Living Hope Story
“If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it…” Daniel 3:17 (NIV) It was amazing to sit down with Clare and hear her story of God speaking hope into her battle with lung disease, through Scripture and song. Just like in the story of Daniel in the Bible, Clare was reminded to trust in God even when life is scary, and that He promises to be present with her in hard
Jesus Changed Me – Mike’s Living Hope Story
"When I got baptised, it felt like a massive weight was lifted from me." It was so great to sit down with Mike and hear some of his story and his love for the Bible. Mike had been a volunteer and then cleaner at his local church for many years, but still felt like there was something missing in his life. When his vicar invited him to be baptised at Easter, he decided to go for it and felt his
A Knock at the Door – Barbara’s Living Hope Story
"The church can build bridges that are made of hope, faith and love." It was so special to sit down with Barbara and hear some of her story of finding community in the local church. After her husband passed away and she had to close their business, Barbara found herself alone and isolated. Until one day she had a knock at the door from someone from her local church, asking if they could pray for her. She was invited to
Finding a Best Friend – James’ Living Hope Story
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelation 21:4 It was such a joy to hear some of James' story at Woven Churches 'Woven Together'! When James was sat with his grandma in her final days, he felt an overwhelming urge to open a drawer where he found a Bible. He began to read verses to her and
Accepting You’re Accepted – Molly’s Living Hope Story
“Jesus accepts me because he loves me, and I don’t need to earn that love.” It was great to hear Molly’s story of discovering the love and acceptance Jesus freely gives to each of us. Molly grew up going to church, but always thought of it as an activity she did rather than a relationship with Jesus. Whilst at university, she heard and understood for the first time that Jesus had died for her, and that she didn’t need to
Finding God in Prayer – Jonathan’s Living Hope Story
“God if you’re there, let me know feel your presence.” We recently sat down with Jonathan to hear his story of wrestling with faith throughout his teenage years. Jonathan grew up in a Christian family but when he was in his early teens, he started to call himself an atheist as he felt didn’t have any evidence for his beliefs. However, through getting involved in a local youth group he decided to give prayer a go when his friend was
Joy of Leadership – Esther’s Living Hope Story
"I'm here, this is who I am: God, use me." This term we've been focusing on 'Growing Leaders', one of our seven areas of focus. As part of this, we sat down with Esther to hear her story of moving from being a student in Nottingham, to intern, to leading the youth ministry at St Nic's Nottingham. Esther has since also invested in other youth interns who have gone on to lead in other churches across the diocese. Here she talks
Lifted Out of Darkness – Marsha’s Living Hope Story
"I prayed, 'Jesus I need you to help me', and I felt like two weights came off me." Following a difficult early life, Marsha found freedom from addiction when she invited Jesus into her life. She describes how the power of God lifted her out of the darkness she was experiencing, bringing healing and restoration. We’re so pleased to share Marsha’s story ahead of her ordination as Priest this weekend, and we’re excited to see how God continues to use her
Through the Wilderness – Ronaldo’s Living Hope Story
‘Now I live my life with hope and peace, knowing God’s alongside with me’ Ronaldo came to faith in his home country of Nicaragua, but found himself unexpectedly moving to the UK. It was a challenging and hard time to adjust, but in that time he discovered St Nic's Church and the Spanish speaking community there, as well as the opportunity to join The Apprentice Track internship. We loved hearing Ronaldo’s story and we hope it’s an encouragement to you, whatever