Were you brought up to go to church?

I’m from Aberdeen, and my family were Church of Scotland. We’d go to church on Sunday, but never talk about it during the week! My mother taught Sunday school, and so did I, when I was about 14. I knew about God, knew all the Bible stories. It was something we did on Sundays.

Did you ever rebel against this family tradition?

I didn’t really rebel; in fact, I helped out at church on Sundays all the time I was at college. Then I went off to work as a nanny in Switzerland – I’d always wanted to work with children.

But by then, I didn’t feel the need to go to church any more. I thought I’d learned all I needed to in Sunday school - there was no more to it!

What brought you back to church?

After my time in Switzerland, I moved to London, where I worked in a nursery school. Outside work, I sang in a choir and in an opera company, where I met a girl who invited me to her church - St James The Less, in Pimlico. I did the Alpha course there, and grew in many ways. I realised there was more to believing in God than I’d thought.

Incidentally, the Alpha course wasn’t strict. I once fell asleep during one session – I was really tired that day. They didn’t mind at all!

Doing the course, I had a counsellor who challenged me about my life and my past. I learned that faith wasn’t just a Sunday morning thing; it was something you took with you into every day. No-one’s a Christian just because their parents were. You’re only a Christian when you commit to it.

At the end of the Alpha course I became a Christian. I wanted Jesus, not just on Sunday mornings, but every day.

What did your friends and family think of your decision to come to Jesus?

I had a few problems with my mum – she thought it was a sect. And I got teased by my work colleagues, because my evenings were filling up with church activities and prayer meetings. It was all new and exciting to me!

What advice would you give to anyone thinking about doing an Alpha course?

I would recommend the Alpha course, or a similar course, such as Why Jesus? to anyone new to the Christian faith. They are good starting points for anyone wondering “Why would I want a faith?”

I felt in a bit of a limbo after finishing the Alpha course, but I’m the type of person who likes to get involved in things, so I joined a home group, met people and socialised.

I believe it’s harder being a Christian than not being one. Life will have ups and downs, it won’t be easier because you know Jesus, but it’s hard staying on the right path. It does test you in ways you wouldn’t have realised. But it’s a great bonus knowing that you’ll be with Him when you die and that He’s beside you all the time.

What led you to start working for the church?

St James The Less needed someone to help with children’s and older people’s activities. I was asked if I’d consider taking this role. I’d always loved helping in church, I’d got a solid faith and experience, and wanted to teach children who Jesus was. I didn’t want to just teach them Bible stories, like I’d been taught when I was little. So I became the Children’s and Community Worker. I set up summer clubs. We started these clubs with 30 children, and now they’ve got over 80!

I’ve realised that even long-time Christians get doubts. Sometimes the teenagers will ask me questions I can’t answer, and they’ve got me thinking. You have to be honest with teenagers.

I learned a lot from the older people in the church, too. I realised we all see Christ as a different Person, some people want to be open about their faith and others prefer to keep it personal.

How has knowing Jesus changed you?

I’ve always been a bit of a worrier. Much less so now – my head and heart know that God is dealing with worries. I am much more confident in myself and strong because I have a faith. I used to feel ruled by my mother, by boyfriends, or other friends. Now I can put my foot down! I’ve an underlying strength.

And finally...?

The verse about the “breastplate of righteousness” (Ephesians 6, 13-18) is one of my favourites. I’m reminded of the armour of God when I’m in a difficult situation or lack confidence. I’ve got the armour of God and he’s with me, I can pray, internally. It’s usually not until after the situation that I’ve seen God’s work in me.