Faith journeys are rarely straightforward. For many people, they are shaped through struggle, loss, questions, and moments of unexpected grace. Sometimes faith can feel distant or buried beneath the weight of life — yet God continues to call us gently back towards Him.
This deeply personal story has been written by our own Thomas Benson, a newer member of our church family, who was baptised and confirmed at St Mary’s on 15 June 2025. His testimony is one of pain, searching, restoration, and rediscovering purpose through Jesus Christ. It reminds us that no matter how far we feel from God, His love remains constant, patient, and full of hope.
We are incredibly grateful to Thomas for sharing his story with such courage and honesty, and we hope these words may bring encouragement to others who may be facing their own battles quietly.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28
Tom’s Story in his own words:
I’ve always believed in God. Throughout my childhood, I had a belief in God, our Father. But never having a true understanding of Jesus Christ or anything from the Bible.
I had anger and hatred for myself for being different and difficult to understand. Not feeling that I fit in anywhere. Failing at every attempt to make things better in my life. I blamed myself and God for all of it.
I chose to let go of my faith and turned to drink, drugs and a routine life with no real purpose. After losing someone close to me to suicide, I fell even harder. If it wasn’t for help from people I love and took for granted, I know I would have ended my life then. I just had to hold on a little longer.
As things started to calm in my life, I met my now amazing wife, Kelly. When we met, we just clicked. We were in the right place at the right time. We were exactly what we needed for each other. She gave me a reason to want to be happy and live again.
As the years went on, my life still felt empty. I have my family, my job and good friends, but something was missing deep down. My Nan was incredibly ill and had respiratory issues. In our brief moments of conversation, we talked about God and forgiveness. She wanted me to find my faith again, which was “never lost but hidden away”.
Some months after her passing, I decided to go to St Mary’s church. The moment I walked in, I was greeted at the door. I prayed for the first time in years with my friend John Riley, and I felt truly lifted. I felt like a weight had just been lifted from me and replaced with purpose.
I have now been baptised, confirmed as a Christian and have faith in God the Father and Lord Jesus Christ. My wife also attends church with me now.
Though the struggle continues, there are always trials ahead and questions that often feel go unanswered. We walk with faith. We walk with Christ.
Thank you, and God bless.
