Christabell

This heartfelt testimony was shared during a Sunday service at Malvern Evangelical Church. It’s a moving story of God’s faithfulness through the highs and lows of life — from early encounters with Jesus, to seasons of loss, renewal, and joyful service. May this story encourage and strengthen your faith.

A Heritage of Faith

I want to begin by saying how much I’ve appreciated the young men’s testimonies we’ve heard recently. What I’m sharing today isn’t quite the same — it’s more a testimony of God’s faithfulness and the things He has brought me through over the years. My prayer is that it will be a blessing and encouragement to someone here today, and above all, that it will bring glory to God.

I’m blessed to have a Christian heritage. My parents and grandparents were believers, and my grandfather founded the Malvern Christian Convention, which is now called Ignite. But of course, God doesn’t have any grandchildren — each of us must make our own personal decision to follow Him.

Early Encounters with Jesus

My first experience of Jesus came when I was about six years old. I had a wonderful vision of Him appearing to me in my bedroom, calling me to be one of His little lambs. Hallelujah!

Later, I was baptized as a believer on my sixteenth birthday, and I encouraged my school friends to follow Jesus too. God gave me a gift for music and singing, and I used to organize lunchtime singing sessions using Billy Graham’s songbook in the school music room. It was such a joy to see some of those friends come to know Christ and be baptized as well.

Marriage, Family, and Service

I met my husband John through the church, and we married when I was twenty. God blessed us with four beautiful daughters, and I now have five wonderful grandchildren and a granddaughter-in-law.

Sadly, six years ago, Jesus called home Roger — my youngest daughter Judith’s husband — while they were serving as missionaries in South America. It was a deeply painful and puzzling time. And now Judith herself is facing a very aggressive cancer. I thank you all so much for your prayers for her.

A Crisis of Faith and Renewal

In my early forties, I went through serious health and family problems which led to a crisis of faith. I realized my faith had no roots. I thought being a Christian meant that God would make sure I had no problems — but that’s not what Jesus said.

“In this world, you will have many troubles. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” — John 16:33

While in hospital, God sent a chaplain to counsel me. That conversation led to a powerful renewal of my faith through the Holy Spirit. I came to understand deeply what it meant that Jesus died on the cross for me — my name written on His heart, engraved on the palms of His hands.

I asked for forgiveness and surrendered wholeheartedly to Him once again. Immediately, I developed a hunger for His Word and read the entire Bible cover to cover in just three weeks while on sick leave. I was overflowing with joy and wanted everyone to know about Jesus!

Ministry and Mission

John and I served in various voluntary ministries as regional representatives of the Bible Society. God taught us not to judge churches by denomination. We led the first Alpha Course in Malvern, took part in revival weekends, and sang in the Christian Witness Choir. We were also invited to lead worship at conventions and services across many churches.

I later became a counsellor for the Billy Graham UK Campaigns under Rev. Gordon Hill, and God gave me a special heart for young people. One unforgettable moment was counselling on the pitch of the old Wembley Stadium — up to my knees in water during a thunderstorm as we sang “How Great Thou Art.” Indeed, we heard the rolling thunder!

Loss and Deep Trust

Nearly twenty-five years ago, God called John home suddenly at age sixty-one. That was a deeply painful time, but my faith was now strong. Though I couldn’t understand why John was taken — since most of our ministry had been together — I chose to trust God.

“All things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.” — Romans 8:28

This began a completely new chapter for me. Alone, with my family grown and gone, I clung to another promise:

“I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans for good and not for evil, to give you hope and a future.” — Jeremiah 29:11

New Beginnings and Missions Abroad

By God’s grace, He gave me new opportunities I never could have imagined. I had never learned to drive, but bus journeys became chances for witness!

Through the Smiles Foundation, our family sponsored a home for a homeless family in Romania in John’s memory. Despite health warnings and no insurance, I went on several short-term missions there, trusting completely in the Lord. Those trips were life-changing — full of miracles, both personal and among those we served.

Community Outreach and Local Ministry

Later, volunteering at a local Christian bookshop opened many doors for witness. God gave me a vision for several community outreaches — including a café-style service called Sunshine Café (spelled S-O-N), decorated with sunflowers. We saw many healings and lives transformed there.

God also prompted me to invite neighbours to do Christianity Explored in my home — and all but one agreed to come! It was amazing to see how the Holy Spirit worked in that group.

I eventually became a church elder and, through that, met my dear friend Arthur, who had recently been widowed. I believe that too was part of God’s gracious plan.

Weakness, Strength, and Ongoing Faith

After several TIAs and a stroke, I had to step down from active ministry. But I want to share something important: I was bullied for most of my childhood and teenage years, which left me with low self-esteem.

“When I am weak, then I am strong.” — 2 Corinthians 12:10

God has been faithful through it all, providing all I need day by day. Life can be hard and lonely at times — especially with age, health issues, and family living far away — but I praise God for technology and video calls! And I know I’m never truly alone:

“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” — Hebrews 13:5

A New Season at MEC

When God led me to Malvern Evangelical Church, it was hard to retire from such active involvement. But once again, He gave me new ways to serve — through prayer, encouragement, phone calls, emails, and witnessing to neighbours, carers, taxi drivers, and delivery people.

I especially love getting to know and praying for the young people here — they bring me such joy! And I’m blessed to be part of the church prayer group.

Thanks to Maggie and Dave bringing me each week, Sundays are now the highlight of my week. The worship is so uplifting, and the gospel is faithfully preached.

A Final Word

“The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will quiet you with His love. He will take great delight in you; He will rejoice over you with loud singing.” — Zephaniah 3:17

I can thoroughly recommend Jesus. You will never regret giving your life to Him. Who else could you trust so completely? No one else could ever love you so deeply or so unconditionally. I know I couldn’t live one minute without Him.

So please — don’t wait. Accept His love today and ask Him to be your Saviour.

“To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus. All the glory evermore to Him. When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat: Yet not I, but through Christ in me.”

Thank you for listening.