Andrew's Story - Hertford Baptist Church

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Andrew’s Story

Andrew first came to Hertford Baptist Church with his parents and elder brother when he was a week old. In time, he attended the various children’s groups, progressed to youth groups and eventually volunteered to help with holiday clubs run by the Baptist and Methodist churches. He learned a lot about the Christian faith but God was “more a part of his routine than part of his life.”

Andrew joined an exciting new youth group called “Wyldlife” and signed up for a summer camp but, sadly, just before the summer, his parents separated. Andrew was devastated. It was as though his whole world had been torn in two. He didn’t have many friends at school that he could talk to and so quietly withdrew. A week before Wyldlife camp he thought to himself that he had no real reason to live. But as the feelings intensified Andrew sensed something telling him to wait for tomorrow, to wait for a

Andrew was surrounded by people who cared about him and he was able to laugh again. On the penultimate night of camp it suddenly struck Andrew that God was still with him. That evening, during a time set aside for quiet personal reflection, Andrew “gave his life to Christ”. His friend, Steve Weston, gave him a verse from Luke 15:20 which says,

“Whilst he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with
compassion for him; he ran to his son and threw his arms round him . . .”

In that moment Andrew recognised that he had not found God, but had returned to Him.

In the summer of 2010 Andrew volunteered to join a work crew for the joint Wyldlife and Young Life camp. Tragically, news reached the camp that the mother of two of the young people on camp had died. Everyone, including Andrew, was impacted by the way these two young people handled the news. Though the brother and sister, who were both Christians, were distraught, they not only remained strong but were able to help and comfort others with a tangible sense of God’s love. From his own, and his friend’s experience, Andrew says he appreciated afresh how God is with us and strengthens us in times of trouble.

Andrew does not profess to be perfect but he knows that it does not matter how many mistakes he makes, God is forgiving and able to help him with whatever challenges he may face in the future. A recent sermon spoke powerfully to Andrew and as a result, on Easter Sunday morning 2011, in front of family, friends and a packed church, Andrew told his story and was baptised!