When I was asked to write how I became a Christian and what it means to me I was pleasantly surprised that anyone would be interested in my story. I had never been asked that before.

My faith through the years had been like a roller coaster ride with its ups and downs. However, despite the many questions I have asked God, and despite the odd argument with God the Father and the Lord Jesus (especially when I was going through rough times when I felt the most alone and vulnerable), I never once thought about turning my back on my faith.

I was raised in a Christian family, although you wouldn't think so as I was raised in an abusive home. Every Sunday my mother would take me to church that I attended in Wolverhampton. I went to Sunday School from the age of four to the age of seventeen when I became one of the helpers at Sunday School.

As I grew up in the church, it made me realise it started not only to be a place of worship but my salvation and my sanctuary where I felt the most protected. I got involved, not only in Sunday School, but also the Friday Night Youth Club. I also went to prayer meetings and social events. You could say I couldn't get enough!

I even wanted to become a nun, but my mother wouldn't let me. - When I was 18 my mother took me to the doctor's, where they found out that I had a nervous breakdown.

My mother was very supportive and came to every appointment I had at the hospital, but unfortunately, in addition to this mental illness the abuse still continued at home. For a year I never left the house. I spent most of that year locking myself in the bedroom praying and talking to God. I remember even singing to him the Elvis song, "The Wonder of You". Those words rang true somehow. This song still holds special memories for me today. The Lord never once abandoned me, and it was through those ordeals that I came to realise how much He truly loved me. Otherwise I don't think I would have come through it the way I did, and my faith has never been stronger.

While recovering from all this abuse and the nervous breakdown I thought I would never meet anyone who wanted me for myself. But I did. However, because of my lack of experience of men I ended up choosing the wrong kind of man. This happened twice actually. Through the years on very many occasions the Lord came to my rescue and saved me from abuse. That was the beginning of the Lord becoming my Saviour – like a caring and loving Father taking care of His daughter, and Jesus like my big brother.

When I was placed in a women's refuge in Wrexham eight years ago, I would visit St. Giles on a daily basis and sit in the quietness of the church. On some occasions I would light a candle. The nights alone in the refuge I would either sit or stand by the window looking into the night sky and even say the odd prayer. I started to rebuild my life, and I can say that yes, maybe I was a victim at the time, but through the hard work and the roller coaster ride and working with the Lord has now made me a survivor.

With the Lord by your side nothing is unreachable, prayers do work and I also let Him know how much I love Him, and with thanks.

I may not have much, but every day I know I am truly blessed with the grace of God. He has brought me to a town and a church which is rich with kindness and love.

I am now happily married to Ian who is my knight in shining armour, and we'll be celebrating our third wedding anniversary in May. I know I was blessed when I met him, because my faith in mankind has been restored. As they say, 'As a few doors shut new ones open', and believe me it's exciting when it does!

Although he does not believe in God, Ian is very supportive of my faith and knows how much it means to be a Christian.

As for me, well, the past is the past, and we all learn from it. Whatever our experiences in life, the ups or the downs, we all know there is one special Friend who is there to listen.

Rose Hughes