Page 20 - News Autumn_Winter 2024_Print
P. 20
CONNECTION FROM FRANCE
John Taylor had slipped away from church
and Sunday School as a teenager. Despite HE MADE ME REALLY
returning to church later in his life, having
his children christened and being confirmed, UNDERSTAND HIS LOVE
he still wasn’t fully walking with the Lord.
However, a holiday changed everything. I woke up from the anaesthetic in the early hours of the
In August 1990 we went on a family holiday to France morning after the operation and I found a Gideon Bible
but, halfway through, both my wife and I felt an urgency (Gideons are now known as GOOD NEWS for Everyone!)
to go home despite having a great holiday. Back home at the side of the bed. I started reading the Book of John.
and some twenty-four hours later, I was in hospital for As I read, I had so many questions and things I couldn’t
an emergency operation to remove my appendix, which believe. It was then that I heard ‘someone’ speaking to
they just got to before it burst (so I was later told). me. He said it was Jesus and He wanted to tell me about
what I was reading. Over the next few hours, He made me
really understand His love and what He has done for me
and all people. My questions were answered, and doubts
put aside. The main thing was that I just felt completely
bathed in His love.
As soon as I could I called my wife (no mobiles in those
days) and asked her to bring me a book the Vicar had
given me at my confirmation (Basic Christiantity by John
Stott). I read the book through and through whilst in
hospital, when I got home a few days later, I got on my
knees and gave my life to Jesus.
Through all the trials of life I have held on to that time
and never doubted Jesus or His love for me. My doubts
have been about me but then Holy Spirit comes and
reminds me to give them all to Jesus.
Over 33 years later my faith is stronger than ever, and
I know its because of that moment and the availability
of a Bible at the side of my bed. God knew that Bible
would be there, and He brought me back from France
to pick it up.
Thank you to GOOD NEWS for Everyone! for the
amazing work you do.
20
18/09/2024 12:23
News Autumn_Winter 2024.indd 20 18/09/2024 12:23
News Autumn_Winter 2024.indd 20
