My name is Amanda.  I’m 58 years old and I’ve lived in the village where my church is for over 20 years.  I’ve been awakened (saved) since April 2023.  In my 40’s I had some big changes.  I hit menopause, and got diagnosed with fibromyalgia and arthritis.  I was on a lot of medication which had a lot of side effects.  I didn’t really leave the house much, and didn’t like to be around a lot of people.  I was a reader, and owned thousands of books.  I used books as an escape, a safe way of living.  I was diagnosed with Alzheimers and insomnia, and after that a lot more medication.  My anti-social behaviour got worse.  I was never in bed till 3am-4am.  I was so tired I couldn’t function.  I smoked cigarettes for 40 years and weed for around 30.  I was miserable. 

The night I was saved I couldn’t lie down as I’d broken a rib and it was painful.  I used to watch YouTube on my phone late into the night.  I started noticing a man talking about the Lord Jesus and the gospel.  I used to think Jesus and God was just for Catholics, nuns and priests, and the Ten Commandments was a film.  This night I was emotionally drained.  I couldn’t stop crying.  I was tired and wanted to end things.  I was so sad, but in the middle of my tears, my mind started to clear, and I could hear what was being said.  It was like I understood Jesus sacrifice.  I dropped to my knees and begged to be forgiven.  It wasn’t long before my tears dried up, and for the first time in a long time I was not alone.  I couldn’t see anyone or hear anyone, but I could feel someone.  I felt so much love and peace.  I felt so bad for the things I’d done, sins I’d committed.  That night I was freed from the urge to smoke cigarettes and weed.  I put whatever life I had left in the Lord’s hands.  I gave whatever time I had left to him.  I put all cigarettes, weed and drugs in the bin. 

It’s been 2 years in April 2025.  I go to a wonderful church.  I love everyone there, and I’m grateful to the Lord Jesus, our heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit.  I’m aware that it was by the grace of God that I was awakened.