Cultureshock

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Video transcript

The church can be described in many ways. I see it as a big social club which brings together people from all walks of life with one common purpose - to worship God their creator. For some, the church has always been a means of escape and sanctuary especially in difficult times. It is also a central point for life's events for example, christenings, weddings and funerals. So people can go there to rejoice, mourn or God depending on the occasion. For me, the church has always been all of the above and I always have that sense of belonging, when I'm in the church among fellow believers.

I grew up going to church and it has since become a part of me much that I really feel like I something is amiss if I miss service especially on Sunday. When I was in my country, I used to go to Anglican, or Church of England as it is known here. When I came here, first thing I did was find a church. I was a little bit disappointed to find most people that attended church were mainly older people, not only were they older but very few in comparison to the size of the building. In my country it would be the opposite, huge crowds and little space.

Not that it is wrong to have the elderly worship, on the contrary I think it's a positive thing, however, I could not find anyone I could relate to. Some of the church members were really friendly to me but I felt out of place because of the age gap and the fact that I was the only member of the ethnic minority. I needed to make friends and there was no one my age, not even close. I then went to a Catholic church then Methodist, hoping it would be better, yes there were ethnic minority members but still, there were all way older than me. Well I continued going to Methodist, but I would be the first one out because I still felt out of place. A friend from college invited me to their church, it was a Pentecostal. Although it was totally different from what I was used to, I really enjoyed the atmosphere and there were lots of people who were my age group. I then decided that was where I was going to worship.

Having no family around made me even more committed to church and worship. I found myself praying more than I used to and it always made me feel less lonely knowing I could talk to God anytime. Now prayer and things about God have become a part of my life. I have found extended family in the church and I find myself helping and being helped by my “family”. A good example is when I lost my beloved mom. My faith was really weakened and I could not pray or commit the way I used to. Their support spiritually, emotionally and physically have really made me stronger each day and through them I experience the love of God every day and am gradually coming to my feet again.

Coming to the UK has had a very positive impact on my spiritual life, I have since matured in my Christian walk. Funny enough, I have not managed to achieve what I set out to achieve when I came to the UK, but I am at peace with myself because I know that God has great plans for me I only have to wait for His timing: which is always right, everything will fall in place in due time. So yes, coming here was a huge benefit for me spiritually, other things are just a bonus.