Mary's Story

"Mary" is not her real name, but we've changed this and a couple of other details to preserve this brave woman's privacy. She wants to tell her story because she feels it could help others, knowing that there are many that have been in this situation. Read on for this powerful story of God's tender love.

I always believed there was a God, I just didn't have an understanding of what it meant to be a Christian or who God really is, besides the creator of Earth.

When I was 16 life really hit me hard: I was very close to my grandfather. I spent the summer of my 16th birthday with him and my grandmother. It was the best summer and I will always remember it, for good and bad. At the end of my stay that summer the doctors found a tumor, which in turn was diagnosed as lung cancer and nine months later the cancer spread to his liver and brain. He passed away a few days after that. I was furious with God, I didn't understand why God would take my grandfather from me. When I would go to church from that point in my life all I could do was think how unfair of God. I hated church and everything to do with it, even God.

When I got offered the job opportunity here I decided to take the chance in life, not knowing anyone here. In July, after having been here for six months, I experienced the worst thing to happen in my life: I was date raped. I hit rock bottom and all I could think to do was to isolate myself, I was so ashamed and blamed myself for what happened. I'd put on a smile to let people think everything was fine when actually I was just falling apart, getting more depressed everyday. I went months without telling anyone, not even my family as I knew it would hurt them so much.

In October, I just couldn't take it anymore and broke down on the phone while talking to my mother, telling her everything. Her words to me were simple and heartfelt "You need to find a church and talk to someone". A few days later I received a "care package" from her and inside was a note that she wrote, "I pray that God will bring someone into your life to lead you back to him." Not giving it anymore thought I tossed the note inside the box and tossed the box away, or so I thought!

Well, one day at work I got talking to my friend about church and how I liked the band that performs at my grandmother's church. That's when she told me about Grace Church and how they have a band also, it's like she knew this would pique my interest! Finally in February I decided that I would give church another chance.

As soon as I stepped into Grace church I felt right at home. I broke down crying and this sweet lady who I did not know came over and prayed for me! Talk about great and caring people at this church!

That first day at church changed my life. During the first day they were talking about the Alpha course. I was interested, but nervous about going. I felt, though that this was something I needed. My experience with the Alpha course has given me a better understanding of what a Christian is and slowly I made peace with God, asking for forgiveness and being able to forgive others.

Then came the Alpha Day away, I was nervous about going, afraid of what might happen. Part of me felt there was a reason for this trip. And there was! During the song "Surrender" I stopped singing and started praying. I told God I wanted to give him my life, I did not want to try to control my life anymore, my life was in His hands completely. I prayed for God to fill my life. The experience was quite indescribable, I felt really warm and like someone was hugging me so strong making me feel so safe. I felt more alive and complete than I ever have felt in my life.

My life has changed, for the better! I've grown close to God and gained a better understanding of what it means to be a Christian. Recently, I found the letter that my mother had written me back in October and it hit me that her praying for someone to lead me back to God turned out to be my work colleague from Grace Church. That to me is living proof that God does exist and that he answers prayers!