Darren's Testimony, given at his baptism.

I am very nervous to be standing here today, but I am also very happy to tell you about the wonderful change that Jesus Christ has done in my life.

Before, when I didn’t know Jesus, my life was out of control. It was terrible. In my early 20’s I had a lot of anger inside of me and I got into some bad fights. I even spent some time in prison for violence and GBH. My life was a mess.

I always wanted to be happy and have a good life but everything always seemed to go wrong, no matter how hard I tried to make things work. I had some difficult relationships that ended in a mess; I have been through painful divorce, and I have been separated from all of my children. It was agony being seperated from my children - that was the biggest heart-break for me, and is still not easy to live with.

I was really low. My life seemed so empty and so pointless. I was depressed and the doctor gave me tablets to help, but I was drinking and taking tablets and nearly died. I wanted to die, I didn't care anymore, because I thought there was no point to my life.

I first heard about Goldings Church through friends who invited me to the deaf service. For the first time I understood clearly that I was a sinner and that Jesus Christ died for me. I knew I had a lot of problems in my life, a lot of things to sort out, but I knew that I needed Jesus to help me. I prayed and asked him to be the King of my life.

My life is very different now. I have so much love and support from my Christian friends. I feel like I have a new family in this Church. I am so proud to have my daughter Adele here today to see me being baptised.

I know that whatever happens in the future, good or bad, Jesus will be with me. I am not alone anymore. Hallelujah!