AGLOW  INTERNATIONAL (BRITAIN)

Angie’s Spiritual Quest

 

I was brought up by my Gran in a Christian way although I have no real recollection.  I was given a Children’s Bible and attended the Salvation Army as a child of 7.  I do remember them giving me sweets!

 

I was drinking heavily by the age of 14 yrs and left home at 16yrs and had many violent relationships with men – I was a wild child!  By the age of 18 I was on mind-expanding drugs (LSD). 

 

Alcohol took over my life and in search of healing and spirituality I turned to witchcraft, shamanism, tarot cards, runes – I was really on a spiritual quest.

 

I was so restless – had no roots, so I took to the road living a hippy life-style, on the beach – in caves, and at one stage in an Indian tepee, this would be a pattern for many years.  I was drinking very heavily which caused me to have black outs and I was very angry and out of control.

 

Drug taking had escalated by now…I was taking heroin and going to raves and so totally anti-Christian!

 

It was while living in a car park in Aberystwyth that I met Jan….

 

Jan had dreadlocks like me and tattoo’s, but somehow she was “different”.  I was going through a hard time with my partner – I just couldn’t cope with male authority because I didn’t trust men.  Jan asked me to come and stay with her - I felt I had been given something special.

 

I knew Jan was different somehow, and when I went into her home (caravan) there were crosses hanging on the wall – I recoiled – that was the last thing I had expected.  She spoke to me about Jesus and even took me to the Salvation Army where I cried. 

 

I returned to my partner and the endless cycle of alcohol, drugs and violence continued and I took to the road again.  I would sneak off to any church just asking, “If there really is a God – help me because my life is rubbish”.   I even took communion at one church thinking it would help me … the minister was shaking like a leaf as he saw my dreadlocks, tattoo’s and body piercing …. I wanted to comfort him!!

 

Jan called me one day and said: “come on over I want to take you to an Aglow breakfast meeting on Saturday at Aberystwyth”.  Even although I was drinking heavily the night before - Jan persuaded me to go.  This was the first Aglow meeting I had ever been to.  I listened to everyone sharing their testimony, praying and speaking in tongues ….. I wanted to escape but I couldn’t because I was crying so much.

 

I felt welcomed in the warm, loving atmosphere.  There was a struggle going on inside me – I didn’t trust men and God was saying “love my Son Jesus”.  Finally I said “OK Jesus whatever it takes” and I went out to the front and prayed asking Jesus to be my Saviour and Lord of my life. I was baptised in the Holy Spirit and fell to the ground speaking in tongues.

No drug had ever had this mind-blowing effect – it felt like a veil had been lifted and all the lights turned on.  Everything was sharper and clearer – I couldn’t contain myself.

 

I could not believe I had taken so long to see the truth and I was horrified at what I had done to myself.  I was so sorry to God for all the wrong I had done.  I no longer desired to drink or take drugs – I was totally set free. 

 

My journey began in 2004 and many have encouraged, discipled and mentored me since then, and I have also been to Bible College.  God has a plan and purpose for our lives and it is now my desire to help others to experience that same freedom I now have since meeting Jesus face to face.

 

Angie Samson - today works as a Team Leader in a Christian run young peoples café where help is offered for alcohol / drug dependency.

 

After reading Angie’s story maybe you realise that you have not met Jesus face to face and today you want to put things right continue reading

 

Maybe you have become aware that you don’t have a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.  No one is too bad to be outside God’s love.  No one is so good they don’t need Him. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you have done.  God will accept you when you turn to Him.

Are you ready to:

·         ask God to forgive you for all the wrong things you have done (Romans 3 v 23)

·         thank Jesus for dying for you on the cross  (Acts 4 v 12)

·         invite Him  to come and live in you by His Holy Spirit  (John 1 v 12)

Here is a prayer, which you can pray to begin that relationship.

“

I am sorry I have been living independently from you and for all the wrong things I have done in my life. Please forgive me.  Thank You that you died on the cross for me so that I could be forgiven.  Thank you for forgiving me and for giving me the gift of your Holy Spirit.   Please come into the centre of my life and be my Saviour and Lord.  Please help me follow You and be the person you want me to be.  Thank you Lord Jesus.  AMEN”

 

If you have just prayed this for the first time, Welcome to the family of God!

Please join a lively church and make contact with your nearest Aglow see the website for details, and tell someone who you think will be pleased to hear the news.  You can also write or email nationalofficebritain@aglow.org.uk and let us know what has happened to you.