'Jesus was walking alongside me into that tent that evening…'
Gracie joined Lancaster CU in 2020 as a way to make friends but she wasn’t sure she was a Christian. She came along to Forum last year, and ended up giving her life to Christ. This is her story in her own words.
Just going along with it…
I grew up in a Christian household and for so long I went along with it. I pretended to be ‘that Christian girl’ but I didn’t want to go to church – I couldn’t see what was so incredible about this God.
It was when I went off to uni that I realised I wasn’t sure if I truly believed. It was terrifying. I tried to make myself, but I couldn’t make that leap of faith. I didn’t even plan to join the CU but my Mum encouraged me to, so that I could meet other Christians my age. I promised her I'd give it a try, and ended up going along regularly.
As a result, I went along to Forum last year and it was genuinely one of the best experiences of my life. But at first, even though I was enjoying the talks and the worship, I got to a point where I felt like I shouldn’t be there. I remember feeling like a fake. I’m one of those people who always has a smile on her face, but on the inside, I was broken.
That evening, I spoke to my friend. I told her how I felt like a ‘fake and felt like I shouldn’t be there. God really used her in that moment, she prayed for me and convinced me to stay at the event.
The next evening, I gave my life to Jesus. Not once did it cross my mind that Jesus was walking alongside me into that tent that evening, and that when I walked out, I would have given my life to Him.
At the end of the meeting, we were invited to go forward for prayer. In that moment, I knew I needed to go forward. I felt this unexplainable feeling that can only be God and I asked that the Lord would soften my heart and I would start to fall in love with Him. And by myself, on 26 August 2021, I gave my life to Jesus. I was baptised on 17 October.
'I want them to experience what I have'
I’ve loved being part of Lancaster CU since then. God has really blessed us this year, calling us each to Lancaster in His perfect timing. I’m so excited for someone, even if it’s just one, to experience what I have, and have their life completely transformed as they come to faith in Christ. Going forward I would really appreciate prayer, that I would be courageous in sharing my faith with everyone I meet: students, the barista at my local café or my lecturers.
'Since that moment at Forum, Gracie’s life has been totally transformed. She’s been hungry to get more into her Bible and been sharing her story with the instincts of an evangelist – every time I speak to her, I leave personally encouraged in my faith. It’s in moments like these that the power of the gospel to change lives is most tangible!'
CU Staff Worker in Lancaster, Matt Woodrow, shared, 'Before Forum, Gracie was quite involved in the CU… and she said in lockdown it had been vital in keeping her mentally afloat – however, she also later admitted to me that none of the Christian content itself had really landed. Since that moment at Forum, Gracie’s life has been totally transformed. She’s been hungry to get more into her Bible and been sharing her story with the instincts of an evangelist – every time I speak to her, I leave personally encouraged in my faith. It’s in moments like these that the power of the gospel to change lives is most tangible!'
We are already looking ahead to welcoming over 1,000 student leaders to Forum 2023. This is an opportunity to stand with the next generation of CU leaders and equip them for mission, as well as see students like Gracie recommit their lives to Christ. Could you give an exceptional gift this year so the CUs can introduce seeking students to Jesus?