Testimony of Samantha Thapar

Gods Perfect Plan

I was born in Birmingham, into a Christian family, the second of four daughters. We were taught Christian morals and values such as reading our bibles everyday, praying every morning and night, although we rarely went to church.

My father has always wanted the best for his family, and wanted religion to be a major part of his daughter’s lives. Searching for what he thought best, he turned to Jehovah’s Witnesses. They came to our house every Wednesday evening to study, for almost 6 years. Although I was too young to really understand their teachings and doctrines, my parents found it very difficulty to fully accept their beliefs and felt many questions were left unanswered. After years of studying with them, my parents decided to let them go.

At the age of 21, I finished my degree, got a new job and things were going well. I knew even then that God was behind all the blessings and I wanted a way to thank him. For me, praying and ready my bible was not enough, I wanted to do more, and looking back now I know Jesus was calling for me. I asked my mother how I should show my gratitude to Jesus, and she suggested I share my blessings with a church and give a money offering. As I did not really belong to a Church, I decided to visit St Paul’s Cathedral in Birmingham town centre. I walked into the church, prayed, lit a candle and dropped in my bunch of notes amongst the copper coins people had offered, but walking out of the church I still felt unsatisfied.

At that point I made the decision to start to go to church on a regular basis. Growing up we attended a ‘Church of England’ Church, normally only at weddings, Christmas and Easter, so I decided that were I would go. Each Sunday morning me and my younger sister Natasha would go to church, so excited and eager to learn, but only to leave none the wiser or blessed. I was so sure that there was more to church, somewhere I would enjoy, somewhere I could actually feel closer to God and learn more about him. God was increasing my hunger everyday, although I could not explain it. I spoke to my sister about wanting more out of a church, and she also shared my desire. We had heard people talk about church being ‘interesting’, we had seen it on the ‘God Channel’ but where were we going to find it. Looking for a church in a big city like Birmingham can be a confusing task, with every corner having a different church, Anglican, Methodist, Seventh Day Adventist, Pentecostal. I didn’t know which one I belonged to or even what the difference was, I just wanted Jesus.

During that time my Father decided to give the Jehovah’s Witnesses another chance, but after a couple of months it came back to the same decision, that things just didn’t seem to click. I was old enough this time to feel the same.  Both Natasha and I spoke to my dad who recommended we go a local Asian Church, where we knew most of the people. Although it seemed I good idea, I lacked enthusiasm ….God had another plan. A couple of days later my Uncle Cliff came to visit and I told him my dilemma. He told me about a new church they had being going to called ‘The Sanctuary’ and encouraged me to come. Although we were excited, being the ‘new girls’ at church and not knowing much about it made us a bit nervous, but we had no reason to be. As soon as we stepped into the church everyone showed so much love, it was so welcoming. I was introduced to the Pastor and can remember it so clearly. I looked up at Pastor Jenkins and saw the most wonderful smile and glowing eyes I had every seen, as if Jesus was shining out of him. He didn’t look like a minister, at least not the ones I knew from Anglican churches. He was relaxed, laid back and didn’t wear a dog collar. As soon as the service started I was amazed, people were clapping, shouting hallelujah, I had never seen this before, but it was exactly what I was looking for. The atmosphere was catching and before long me and my sister were shouting hallelujah just as loud, which was a surprise to us as much as anyone.

From then on things began to change, my hunger was being fed. I felt complete and inner peace. Pastor Jenkins describes the look we had on that first day ‘as if a light bulb went off in our minds’. We started going every Sunday as well as to the Wednesday meetings, and we loved it. After a couple of weeks, Pastor Jenkins asked those who had not been ‘born again’ to raise their hands if they want to give their lives to Jesus. Sitting in my seat that day I gave my life to Jesus, little did I know that such a simple step would have such a profound effect on my life. The support that me and my sister received as new, young Christians was great. The church leader Danny Choranji gave us a chance to exercise our faith. He encouraged us to pray for the service and stand in front of people and give our testimonies. Things which many young Christians do not get a chance to do. Although at the time it was very nerve racking I am glad the Lord gave me the strength and the opportunities, building me up to be the Christian I am today. I was taught about the blood and Christ, the message of salvation and what Jesus has done for us. Things I just took for guaranteed before, images I just associated with Christ but never giving it much thought. Now it all had meaning.

After praying and waiting, one by one Natasha and I bought our parents and our sister Sophia to Church, who today are the Church elders and leaders.

In August 2004 when I got married and moved to Bedford, I had no idea what God had planed, but I had faith that God’s way it always perfect. I married a born again Christian, from a Christian family and my father in law is the Pastor (Sardar Thapar). Soon after moving to Bedford we opened our own Church, Bedford Christian Centre and thanks to God, being under the teaching of His Spirit I am today the Youth leader and part of the worship team.

I allowed God into my life, and allowed him to lead my path, in the way he had chose for me. I encourage you all to give God the steering wheel to drive your life, and accomplish everything in his name, He has a perfect plan for everyone:

“As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord s flawless……It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect” (Psalm 18:30 –32)

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