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I moved to Oundle in June 2007, and had been a Christian for about 20 months then.  My father had been a lay preacher for the Presbyterian Church before I was born, but had lost his faith and was not only atheist, but openly anti-Christianity as I was growing up. Any spiritual input came from my Mother, an Ismaili Muslim.  Her culture dominated my childhood and remains very important to me, but I grew up very confused about faith, and very negative about religion in general.  I didn’t think I needed it, and couldn’t see how it was relevant to me.

When I met my now-husband in 2001, I also met my father-in-law, David.  He was the first real role model I had had of an active Christian.  I was curious about his faith, but felt that to explore further would be a betrayal of my family.

When I moved to Peterborough to be with James in 2004, I found myself with a stable job, a nice home and a happy relationship, but I felt restless and hollow.  I didn’t know anybody and had trouble settling to a routine.  I quickly became depressed and isolated.  I decided, in September 2005, to join an Alpha course at a church in Peterborough.  I was curious, but mostly I wanted to meet new people and not cook one night a week!  I was determined that I wouldn’t be ‘turned’.

Of course, the more I heard, the less I was able to keep denying the truth of what I was hearing about Jesus.  I started going to church, but felt nervous and held back at first.  Everything was so different!  Where should I sit? When  should I stand up? What did ‘sharing the peace’ mean?  What should I do when everyone else took Communion?  If you did take Communion, what order should you go up in?  I couldn’t navigate my bible, got ‘lost’ during services, and mimed my way through hymns and songs as I had no idea of the tunes!  However, my Alpha group leader took me under her wing and helped me to become more confident.  She explained that it didn’t matter if I got things wrong, God still heard and loved me.

One day, about 7 weeks after starting Alpha, I attended the Baptism of someone else on the Alpha course.  After his Baptism, the Vicar challenged the congregation to consider their own faith.  Before I knew it, I was at the front of the church asking to be baptised too!  I gave my life to Jesus and was baptised there and then.  I felt absolutely elated.

Of course, reality soon set in.  I was terrified of telling my family what I had done.  My husband was surprised, but incredibly supportive.  It has taken my parents longer to come to terms with, but they both attended my confirmation this year.  My mother told me she was happy that I had the comfort of faith, and both could see how Jesus had worked in my life.

I’m delighted to be involved in Alpha here at St Peter’s, and hope that other people’s experience is as positive as mine was!