Paula

I grew up in Belfast during a difficult time - a city marked by fear, division and brokenness. Life at home wasn’t easy either.

I lived with my mum and had to grow up quickly. But Sundays brought a breath of fresh air. Going to church with my grandparents gave me a sense of peace I couldn’t find anywhere else. I loved being part of it - singing, volunteering, and having fun, even when I didn’t fully understand why it meant so much.

As I got older, I drifted from faith. I chased after the wrong things and ended up feeling lost and hopeless. One night, in a moment of desperation, I cried out to God and asked Him to show me He was real. The very next day, I met a group of Christian missionaries in the city centre who shared the message of Jesus with me. Something clicked and right there on the street, I prayed and gave my life to Him. From that moment on, everything changed.

I was hungry to know more about God. I returned to church with excitement, began properly reading the Bible — which amazed me, as I’ve always struggled with dyslexia — and threw myself into learning and growing. One of the people who made the biggest difference in my journey was my minister, who truly believed in me. She helped me. She took time to listen, to guide, to help me understand what it means to follow Jesus wholeheartedly.

She encouraged me into leadership, invited me onto the church council, and gave me opportunities to serve even as a crazy naïve teenager… I helped in the praise band, with the youth, and within the church community. Her trust and investment built my confidence and helped me discover my calling. I was also blessed to be surrounded by others in the church who supported me, encouraged me, and helped me grow in faith.

As my faith deepened, so did my passion for evangelism — I wanted to share the hope I’d found with anyone who would listen. I also developed a heart for social action, wanting to help those in need, speak up for justice, and love people practically, like Jesus did.

When I later became a missionary, my Granny became my biggest supporter. She rallied the church to pray for me and fundraise so I could go. That support — spiritual, emotional and financial — meant everything. I was never alone in ministry, because I knew my church family had my back.

What made the difference in my faith wasn’t just a moment, but the people who stood with me, invested in me, and gave me space to grow. Their belief in me showed me just how much God believes in us — and that’s what drives me to share His love, wherever He leads.