Through all of my youth I was brought up in Keresley, Coventry by the hands of good parents, who showed great interest for my future. I had a gang of friends with similar interests, always with something to do, never bored. Daniel (my best friend) and I were rarely troublesome, and never causing dishonour for our parents.

My first personal encounter with Jesus Christ was through the reading of a Gideon's New Testament and Psalms at 11-years of age. My Dad gave me the book, which belonged to my Nan. My Nan had recently deceased. I received the Bible and immediately starting reading.

I read all the gospels without missing a word. I much prefer the outdoors to reading, yet I was in wonder of the miracles performed and stories spoken by Jesus, having great respect for this peculiar Fellow. After reading part of the Acts of the Apostles, I never continued with my reading.

In the following 7 years I had built up a good name for myself in social activities and attitude. My second gang of friends were in my teenager years. We spent a lot of time together just doing things normal teenagers do in Coventry. During this time I discovered that I was becoming very shy, even insecure, and not only that but a proud and stubborn person who would hide behind a fake face. I would also be jealous and envious of anything that I never had, or had control over; therefore I was subtly hard on others and myself, desiring to see others fail or lose in what they have. I never had freedom from myself and couldn't control my tongue. I hated this!

Not until I was 18 years old did I open the very same Gideon's New Testament and Psalms again. My first memory was being told off for writing my name on the leaf of the book. I picked up the Bible because I knew it guides in time of need and is unchanging. I really wanted someone to talk and relate to. So, with a hard heart I started at Matthew and read 6 books.

During this time I spoke to many religious people, a Buddhist, a Christian Scientist, and later to many Muslims. In particular I spoke to a spiritualist working at my work place who gave me a book of a famous spiritual medium. I read the entire book, and was quite impressed yet scared all the same. When I returned the book she asked me what I thought, immediately I spouted, "The Bible is against these things".

I was really confused, but Jesus seemed to be straight and true. There were no dark areas. He did exactly what He said He would do.

By the time my second year of university had come I was hungry to discover the truth. I had a great burden to contact the university religious leaders. So I visited them and they invited me to Tuesday lunchtime get-togethers with other students. Soon, I was invited to a week away to the Isle of Iona, a Christian retreat. I couldn't wait for all the walking!

A few months later the date for the trip to Iona arrived and I was thirsty for an answer. I wanted to know, "is Jesus real or a fake?" Also I had to make the decision quick so that I could get on with my life. I really didn't want to commit my life to Jesus if He was an imaginary King. So I went to Iona with an open mind but a longing heart.

We spent the first night at Loch Lomond Youth Hostel, and there I met Sylvia who asked me, "Do you believe in Jesus?" I replied, "I'm not sure".
I did put a brave face on among the new friends I had made; I just needed something to take the burning away when alone in the quiet. Well my decision on the Friday night was to ask God Himself, "God, tell me are you real?"

The next evening at 9pm the abbey held a prayer meeting. I turned up unprepared for what I was about to receive. At the end of the meeting all were invited to receive a random reading from a hat at the front. It was my turn to receive. I put my hand in and took a reading, then sat down and opened the paper to read,

God is as Real and as Close as the words you Now hear.

Do you believe now! I was shocked, the Great I AM answered my prayer.

I did believe right away but didn't know exactly what to do or say. Well Sylvia and now a sister looked at my pale face asking, "What's up Kieren?" I explained the answered prayer and the situation I was in now. I give thanks to Jesus for answering my prayer, and sending Sylvia to guide in prayer.

After a short while of considering what had happened, and IT'S TRUE Jesus the Saviour is alive! I repented. The Lord did forgive my sins that I was guilty of and He gave me a new life in Jesus.

GOD WILL BE EXPECTING ONE THING FROM YOU THAT YOUR SINS WERE DEALT WHEN YOU RECEIVED JESUS CHRIST AS YOUR OWN SAVIOUR.

IF YOU'RE READY, GIVE THANKS FOR GRACE!

IF NOT, HE IS COMING BACK!!!