I vividly remember the first time I came to BGBC – I must have been 7 or 8. We walked in the door, all 6 of us (I’m the eldest of 4) and were instantly welcomed into what was going on, I was sat down by two mums who I won’t embarrass, and the rest is history.
Growing up at Bessels was great, there were so many amazing people to look up to and learn from. I couldn’t tell you exactly when I became a Christian but I do remember a summer camp when I was 16, being a turning point for me. As you know being a teenager can be pretty confusing but I found people at Bessels to be loving, supportive, challenging and genuine.
When I left school I started working at Sainsbury’s (I remember spending my first pay check on a leather jacket, yes it was as bad as it sounds!) and got involved in various ministries at Bessels. During this time a couple called Mark and Jay Buscombe arrived at the church as the youth workers. They had a big influence on me and taught me so much about how to live everyday for Jesus. I changed jobs to working with adults with learning disabilities where I spent 4 years.
Anyway, in September 2014 I started working at Bessels as the youth and children’s worker. I believe God’s unconditional love is for all of us and he longs for us to join in with being a positive influence in the world around us. Church is an amazing place to grow, learn, inspire, challenge and worship together, and I believe the Church should not just be a place where Christians gather together but a way of serving the community around us.
One thing I love about the Kingdom of God is that all these things are not restricted to happening in the Church. I believe that they can happen in our everyday situations, whether that’s in Tesco’s, on the train at 7am or in the playground at school.
I love working with young people of all ages, they often have such an amazing outlook on life, and I find myself learning from them every week. At Bessels we want to provide a space where our Youth and Children can discover Jesus and the joy that brings to life.
In 2022, myself and Suzy welcomed little Harry into the world; life with a little one is full of chaotic joy, but we wouldn't have it any other way! I love to head down to the Valley to support Charlton; I'm often found daydreaming about all things football and lose hours to tweaking my fantasy football team! I love being outside in creation and finding a good bench with a fantastic view to sit and ponder life on. P.S. You'll know I'm in the office if you hear Bruce Springsteen blasting down the corridor!