6 Church Members Affirm Their Faith

St George’s recently welcomed David Hamid, Suffragan Bishop in Europe, who confirmed 6 church members during a special ceremony at St George’s. Confirmation marks the point in the Christian journey at which people affirm for themselves the faith into which they have been baptised and their intention to live a life of responsible and committed discipleship. Through prayer and the laying on of hands by the Bishop, the Church also asks God to give them power through the Holy Spirit to enable them to live in this way.

Here are the testimonies of the 6 church members who were confirmed by the Bishop at St George’s on Sunday, 2 May 2010.

Glyn: At the age of 35, I had a family, a job in Barcelona and no problems, but something crucial was missing. I was lost, really. I started reading the Bible, and some time later, I started coming to St George’s. Over the years, I have grown in the faith, and now I would like to confirm my commitment.

Ian: About 20 years ago, I worked with someone who convinced me there was a deep and real truth at the heart of Christianity. In spite of my skepticism, I walked into a church alone and was surprised to feel the presence of God. I left that church and imagined my life would be changed. Since then, many things caused me to leave my faith to one side, but I was fortunate to join St George’s church nearly two years ago and found a way to renew my faith and make it a strong foundation for my life.

Mohinder: I was brought up as a Sikh, but my wife, children, sister and her family are all Christians. In May 2000, I had a vision of a bright light and a man calling me to follow Him. At the time, I did not know who the man was or what to do. I left India for work in Germany, then France and eventually settled in Spain four years ago. When I saw a picture of Jesus in my friend Savitri’s Bible, I recognised Him as the man in my vision. I started coming to church and have come to believe in Jesus through reading the Bible in Hindi and Punjabi. I was baptised on Christmas Day 2009, and I am grateful to God for all the good things He has done for me.

Isaac: For me, it is good to get confirmed, like my Mum taught me since the time I was a kid. In addition, if I wish to marry, I feel I must get confirmed in the Anglican Church. Preparing for Confirmation is a way of getting close to God, and to do what He wants us to do, such as preaching the good news to the poor in our daily lives, and helping those we are supposed to help.

Dietmar: I became a Christian 25 years ago and have tried to dedicate myself to God ever since. When I moved with my wife to Barcelona, we searched for a church where we could feel spiritually at home and found that place in St George’s. To be at home in a place for me means to involve myself in that place. Therefore, even though I was already baptised and confirmed in my church back in Germany, I decided to get officially confirmed in the Anglican Church here in Barcelona.

Elizabeth: I was born into the Christian faith through my parents, who joined the Episcopal Church, and was brought up adhering to the values and principles by which Christians lived. I have always sought to apply them in my life and in my relationship with God, the Father and Jesus Christ. I have always wished to be part of a church, and have been searching for a church that fits my perception of God´s Word, and the meaning He gives us in this life. I have seen and attended many churches, have been baptized and received Communion courses, but have never felt ready to commit to one denomination, until now. I seek God and the truth of His Word, and after spending time with St George’s in Barcelona, and having spent recent months with Falls Church Episcopal in Washington, D.C., I feel ready, willing and proud to join the Anglican Church and proclaim my faith in a renewed way. I wish to be a better Christian and give all that I can to others, and lead my life as an example for others, as Christ has taught us to.