Karen Cheddar

I was invited to the Kingston Church of Christ in 1997.  I was overwhelmed by the warmth I saw among the disciples, and surprised at the large number of young people present.  I attended the church irregularly for the next 3 years.

I started studying  the Bible in January 2000 and was baptized at the end of February of the same year.  My reason for studying the Bible was that I felt an overwhelming desire to be closer to God.  When I visited the church, there was a hunger in me to have what I saw amongst the disciples.  I knew I could be fulfilled in this way only through a relationship with God.  I denied these feelings for a long time until I could no longer. as I felt God calling me.

My arrogance, pride  and selfishness were character traits that surfaced during the studies,  "I" was the focal point of my existence.  My needs and wants I placed above God and every one, including my family.  It was not easy for me to accept that this is who I am. 

  During the studies, there was a time when I felt that I would stop because I felt the sisters had no right saying this was the person I am ., and that I was not as perfect as I thought I was.  However, after praying, on this occasion I heard a voice telling me not to stop, as this was what Satan desired, but rather that I should continue and study the Word of God.  The cross showed me then and continues to remind me what it means to be selfless and humble.

I now have an opportunity to help my family have a relationship with God.  I continue to strive to be the mother God wants me to be for my daughter, and the wife of the Proverbs 31:10-12, to my husband.  I can only state that God is able and always keeps His promises, if we allow Him to be the center of our life.