Real People

Charlotte Young

I didn’t grow up in a Christian household but had a basic Church of England education through my junior schools offering basic guidance. From a young age I felt I was blessed because of the fabulous childhood and opportunities that I had received. Always feeling I had some thing or someone I had to thank. This is one of the reasons I chose medicine as a career - just to ‘give something back to the universe’ I suppose.

Coming to university, I met a very helpful Christian who was happy to be questioned and explain. We attended a nourishing God centered Church [in Plymouth] which lead to me asking more questions of the fundamental Christian beliefs. Then under God’s hand when we moved to Truro, and I began attending the Light and Life’s Alpha Course. This was invaluable to me, as I needed explanations, proof and forum to ask questions. I needed validation of scripture and I had issues with people that I had met who claimed they were Christian. I struggled with issues, particularly the view of women within the Church and homosexuality. Because of the facility to being able to question and find answers these issues are no longer a barrier to me to wanting to commit my life to Jesus.

Another major hurdle for me was the concept of the true nature of people. I had always been proud that I believed in the fundamental goodness of humanity and of course with me being no exception! But…. as I leant more about man in reality, I realised my optimism was my naivety and part of the fall of man. As part of this understanding my eyes were open to how much of a sinner I am, a concept I totally obscured and ignored as a non-Christian. I feel now that issues that commonly put people off exploring Christianity like I initially felt, are just excuses and can be worked through if you want to find the truth.

Charlotte Young (Truro)

Linda Raison

My name is Linda Raison, married to Bill Raison. We have lived in Cornwall for just over 2 years and have been a part of Penwith Light & Life church for 2 years.

I have always been able to see only through my right eye and that was inflicted with ‘floaters’; little crystals within the fluid of the eye. In recent years, these had started to get worse until I was forced to seek medical advice. I have, since coming here, been told by Cornwall Hospital that I was losing my sight and there was nothing they could do. There is an operation but it was a 50 – 50 chance that I could lose the sight completely so they would only do it when the sight was gone. I have seen a specialist but am waiting to see another.

Pastor Andy came for coffee. When we had finished talking he said let’s pray about the situation (the hospital had postponed my appointment for the fourth time). As he prayed, I had in my right eye the most amazing bright light, so bright I was quite frightened, but we carried on and when we had finished, I opened my eyes and the sight was much clearer. I can now read things I could not even see before!

I have now been to the hospital and the specialist wanted to know why l was there as he could find nothing wrong. When I explained it all to him he was dumb struck and just said: “ Well, whatever has happened I don’t know. All I know is I do not have to see you again. If you have any problems go to your doctor.”

We know I will not need to; the Lord does not give and then take away.

Linda Raison (Penzance)

Richard Penrose

I was born and brought up in Porthleven. As a child I was Christened and attended Sunday School, so I thought I was a Christian, so long as I lived a life which made me happy whilst not hurting anyone else.

I started playing the piano at 10 and eventually music became the entire focus of my life. As a teenager I was a part of youth ensembles at County level; at 17 I became more heavily involved in gigging with local bands and adopted a rock and roll life style to go with it.

I became very successful and played with some leading touring session musicians; which lead to being involved with some extremely high profile work opportunities to take it much further. During this time in the back of my mind I was aware I was doing certain things which weren’t pleasing to God, but I knew that once I’d done all that I wanted to do in my life, then I’d sort things out with Him.

However at 26 my mum was diagnosed with cancer and the following 18 months were extremely difficult for me and my family as she battled with it. She lost her fight in March 2002. All my security and stability had been pulled out from under me. One of my friends knew what was happening and invited me to church, but I kept saying “no, its not for me.” I thought those in church were either weak or fruit cakes, but for a quiet life I gave in! It was amazing, just walking in the building I knew there was something inexplicably different, a sense of love that I’d never experienced before. The impact was so real I had to find out more.

I found myself increasingly looking forward to going, surprised by how much I enjoyed it. One evening, while listening to a sermon, I felt like I was the only person in the room and that God was talking directly to me. Pastor John asked anyone who wanted to commit their lives to Jesus Christ to raise their hand, and suddenly I found myself with my hand in the air! I realized just how much God loved me; the truth became clear and I knew in my heart that it was what I had to do. There was no way I could go back to where I’d come from and I felt totally secure knowing that God would do a better job looking after my life than I had.

My relationship with Jesus has brought a fulfilment that I never had before; I know that true happiness can’t be found in material possessions and achievements, but only in Jesus. Looking back I can see how God was carrying me through the tough times and He continues to do so now. He never promised that life would be easy, but I don’t need to worry about tomorrow because of His faithfulness and promise to never leave me.

Richard Penrose (Porthleven)