Six People Confirmed at St Barnabas Lenton Abbey

It was a wonderful morning of celebration at St Barnabas Lenton Abbey on Sunday 25 October, as six church members were confirmed by Bishop Peter, alongside Fi, the Associate Priest.

The service included some incredible and encouraging testimonies. Read the testimonies of Rebecca and Niamh below.

Rebecca’s story

“Nearly 11 years ago I was pregnant with my eldest son Albert. I had suffered many miscarriages and was very afraid of losing the child I was carrying. I was told of a local Vicar with knowledge of my journey and the fear I felt and that they, along with the congregation were praying for me and my child.

I was invited to the Christmas Service. Upon entering the church I met the vicar, Fi, her husband Mike, and all of the congregation and I was aware I felt at peace, a kind of peace I had never felt before.

It took me a long time to be able to say in words what the feeling was but it was a mixture of feeling like you have had a warm hug that sooths your body both inside and out, of love acceptance and belonging. I knew the child I carried would be born and would be safe.

From that moment I knew the journey I travelled was not just mine to walk but someone had taken my hand and would guide me through it. That same hand has accompanied me down many roads sometimes guiding me to other people to help me along the way. My journey and experiences have led me to this day where I wish to confirm my belief in God, and live my life as best I can to how God would want me to live it.”

Niamh’s story

 “I first walked into St Barnabas Church about three years ago, during my first week at university. I was scared, alone and incredibly insecure – as many university students are. I went looking for a church for no other reason than that; whenever I had struggled in the past, having a little faith had always helped me. And when I walked into St Barnabas, I wasn’t treated as a visitor, but as a new member of the church family. Nobody here has ever made me feel like anything less than one of their own. Instead, I’ve been cared for, welcomed and loved as though I’ve always belonged. During that very first service, I also heard the lyrics to a song that has since become incredibly meaningful to me: Indescribable. It speaks of a God who sees the depths of our hearts and loves us all the same. Hearing those words, sung by such a lovely group of people, felt like God reminding me that my faith was real, that He knew exactly where I was and that I had come to the right place. I was insecure, frightened and full of worries, but God loved me regardless. Now, three years later, I know that the people of St Barnabas love me too. They have shown me what it means to live out Christian faith, not just through words, but through their actions, kindness and the way they care for those around them every single day. My faith in God has grown enormously during my time here, and I think so much of that is down to the genuine Christian love I’ve experienced at St Barnabas. This church has helped me understand not only what it means to be loved by God, but what it means to share that love with others.”

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