It’s never too late for a new beginning in your life.

It’s never too late for a new beginning in your life.

A couple of weeks ago I had the privilege of attending St John’s Church, Burscough for the Baptism of Ron Snape .

I first met Ron two years ago when he visited our Café Vista with his late wife Pauline. Ron was the main carer for Pauline who in 2013 fell down the stairs in their home and broke her neck.  Thanks to the swift action of the Air Ambulance, Pauline was taken to hospital and went on to live for five more years with her soul mate Ron until she sadly lost her battle on 4th August  last year.

At Ron’s baptism I was struck by the power of his testimony and how at the wise age of 82 he was embracing a new beginning in his life, he had found faith in Jesus. Ron described how after losing Pauline he had felt the pain and sense of loss at losing “the love of his life”, he admitted he had even prayed for God to take him too.  However, Ron didn’t’ give up he started attending the Tuesday shoppers service at St John’s, he also joined our luncheon club on a Wednesday. Ron described how through generous welcome, hospitality, conversation and people who were prepared to listening he has found faith, which in turn has helped him find contentment and peace.

I share Ron’s story, with permission, as my contemplation today because so often people are afraid to explore faith, to step inside church to take their pain, despair, doubts and fears and to ask God to show them a new beginning.  If we are honest we are all in search for contentment, peace and hope and I am so pleased that Ron has found this in Jesus. Ron is a true inspiration not just in his Christian witness but also in all he does in Pauline’s memory. To date Ron has raised over £6,000 for the Air Ambulance and Parkinson’s which I think you will agree is a huge achievement.

I hope reading Ron’s story today you too may be inspired to explore Faith. Here at Christ Church we are launching a new ‘Start’ course in the Ministry Centre on Tuesday 14th January 2020 7:30pm – 8:30pm for seven weeks.  There will be an opportunity in an informal setting to ask questions, watch a video and discover more about the Christian faith.  Why not make 2020 a time for a new beginning come and join us and discover the contentment that Ron has found. If you want to hear more about Ron’s story then join us on Sunday 24th November 10:45 am and meet him in person.