Shirlee McKeown I was born with a hole in my heart. As the years went by my health deteriorated and I spent alot of my time sick and in and out of hospital. Shortly after my 5th birthday I was successfully operated on.  It gave me a second chance at life. 

My parents sent me to Church, Sunday school, Youth Club and Summer Bible Clubs and it was at these times and at Primary School that I heard the word of God.  It was at Etta Coulters Summer Bible Club in the Johnston Memorial Hall in Beragh that I decided that I needed to give my life to the Lord.  I believe that God had spared my life, I was glad he did and I felt that I needed to give my life back to him so that I might live it for him.  We are told in Gods word that He does not promise us that life will be easy just because we are saved but He does promise to be with us.  Many times I was aware of His help but other times it was only when I look back that I saw Him there carrying me through those times. 

He was with me when I lost my first daughter to still birth, when my second son had to have heart surgery at 6 weeks and when I had to have minor surgeries. There have been times when the way has been dark but I thank God that although I felt lost and confused He was by my side.  I thank God that He has taught me to have faith in His decisions for my life.

When I was diagnosed with MS 2 years ago I finally realised that God was trying to get my attention.  He wanted me to stop rushing and running and to sit quietly and listen.  I still have the tendency to rush into things, all with good intentions but then MS symptoms remind me to take things easy.  I believe He has His reasons and I am not afraid because He has promised me He will be with me.

Life can be tough and it is great to have someone by your side to help you and this is the privilege of walking with God, He will always be with you.  I could not have got to where I am now if it was not for Gods company.

David Young
I was brought up as a child in the country going to Sunday school and church, as I moved into my teenage years the things of the world were of more interest to me than the church.  After I got married to Joy I started attending church and it was during a vacancy and probably for the first time I started to listen to what was being said.

I can remember clearly, leaving church one Sunday knowing in my heart that I needed to get right with God.  One night as I tossed and turned and found sleep impossible as I was under so much conviction of sin I gave up trying to sleep and went into the front room, knelt down beside the sofa and best as I knew how I prayed "Jesus, I believe you are the son of God and I want You in my life".

I went back to bed and as I lay there I worried if God would accept me.  Just as the Bible says, "the peace of God which passeth all understanding" came into my soul and I just knew I had been forgiven. 

I now know that it was Gods holy spirit drawing me to himself and I am so thankful to Him because I do not deserve any of his goodness, his grace or mercy.

My prayer would be as I live my life at home, at work or within church life that others would be drawn to our lovely saviour.  I know that I fail Him many times and let him down but he is such a forgiving God and picks us up again and again when we fail.