An Unconventional Blessing – Jack’s Living Hope Story
“I now see my neurodivergence as an unconventional blessing.” It was such a gift to sit down with Jack and hear his story of faith. From a young age Jack believed in God, but during his teenage years he became angry at God as he noticed his neurodivergence making him different to others at school. Everything began to shift when he reflected on Jesus’ words in John 9, spoken about a man born blind: “This happened so that the works of God
Come and See – Di’s Living Hope Story
“Come, see and explore - see where it takes you.” Di’s understanding of faith growing up was of a God who should be feared. Over the last few years she’s experienced the devastation of cancer in her family, but often found herself turning to prayer. Di shared the story of encountering a loving God who cares intimately, through the words and support of the local vicar when planning her mum’s funeral. This set Di on a journey of discovering the
A Vision of the Cross – Dave’s Living Hope Story
“I was once hopeless, but Jesus has brought me hope." It was amazing to hear Dave's story of a powerful encounter. Dave was an atheist, but when his dad died he found himself wondering if there was more to life. Whilst along at home, he had a vision of the cross which turned fear into hope. He's since been welcomed into church community, and faith has transformed his life, so much so that those around him cannot help but be curious
Coming Back Home – Laura’s Living Hope Story
“The first time I walked into church I was overwhelmed with the feeling of being back home.” Sitting down with Laura and hearing her story of returning to her childhood faith was such a joy. Laura stopped going to church in her university years, but when her daughter was born she felt a pull back. Instantly she felt she had returned home. As she began to get more involved, Laura sensed God inviting her to serve in a new way. She
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