Without God my life was empty.  Growing up my dad was an alcoholic and my mum left the family when I was five years old.  I was dumped at my Nan’s house and got passed around the family but no one could put up with me.  I was put in a couple of children’s homes and then eventually when I turned 14, I left school, lied about my age and managed to rent a flat by myself.

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Between the ages of 14 to 19 I spent a lot of time living on the streets as I couldn't pay my rent.  I got involved with a group of older guys who were into football.  I soon ended up drinking and taking drugs.  I was craving a sense of belonging which this bunch of hooligans gave me.  I got married at 19 and the drink carried on for another 20 years, including gambling, fighting and generally being horrible.  When my second marriage failed the drink started again but much worse.  I was drinking every night. It was the only way I could cope with life.  I had nothing to look forward to.

 

I always believed in God but never spoke to Him. I never read the Bible and I only went to churches when I needed somewhere to sleep at night.

 

Last year I hit rock bottom.  I ended up on the IOW drunk and homeless.  I was going to end my life.  The police found me and escorted me home.  I went to see Micky and Naomi at Faith & Football and they shared about Jesus with me again. I have known them for five years and they have always shared Jesus with me.  But this day I listened.  I decided to become a Christian because I didn't have anywhere else to go.  I was lost and I needed something in my life to keep me alive. I needed to know someone was there for me.  I needed someone to believe in me.  As Micky and Naomi laid hands on me and I prayed to ask Jesus into my life this amazing feeling came over me.  It felt like I was going to fall over, I just thought WOW!  All of a sudden all my worries were taken away from me.  The light seemed brighter, the trees were greener, everything seemed completely different.  I had this warm, happy glow all around me.  It was the kick start in my life that I needed.  

 

Since giving my life to Jesus I've not touched a drop of alcohol!  I am free!  He has saved me from it.  I don't get angry anymore. I have someone I can talk to, where before I used to talk to the bottle.  I have a massive weight taken off my shoulders.  I feel so good in myself.  I feel happy.  He's looked after me all my life without me even knowing.  Everything is complete for me now. Every day I get up I thank God. I want everyone to feel the way I do.  I pray all the time.  Being able to pray is like a relief valve and it makes me feel so good.  God has changed my life completely; my outlook on life is so different. I'm in His family and I know He's there.  Without God in my life I would be dead by now.  I wish I'd made this decision years ago.