Anne Gamston, Gloucester

Having been on the Christian pathway for sixty five years, I am still amazed at the goodness of God who brought me to repentance & faith, revealing to me the love & beauty of the Saviour. Whilst the pathway has not always been easy and there have been many adversities, none the less the real joy of an eternal hope, of sins forgiven and cleansing in the blood of Jesus Christ has been such a blessing through the years.

Which verses would you take to the desert island?

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

Having been brought up in a non-Christian home and yet, at the age of eight, longing to know God, must surely be a work of the Holy Spirit in my life. It was another five years before I heard the gospel preached, which brought me to understand my need to trust the Lord Jesus Christ and repent of my sin.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

As with others, to mention verses of scripture which have been an encouragement as well as a challenge, would mean quoting the whole Bible. However, Proverbs 3:5-6, which is inscribed in my wedding ring, has been a daily reminder of my need to trust the one who knows the future. By the enabling of the Holy Spirit, helps me to do so, although 'not leaning to my own understanding' is a challenge!

We love because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19

The love which God showered upon me is truly wonderful and I can only say with the hymn writer: 'Oh that my soul could love and praise Him more!'

Which song would you take to the island?

This line comes from the hymn I have chosen to have on the Desert Island as a reminder that He is always watching over me and will never leave or forsake me. Here's a link to the hymn being sung.

Immortal honours rest on Jesus' head,

My God, my portion and my daily bread;

In Him I live, upon Him cast my care;

He saves from death, destruction and despair.

He is my refuge in each deep distress,

the Lord my strength and glorious righteousness,

Through floods and flames He leads me safely on,

and daily makes His sovereign goodness known.

My every need He richly will supply,

nor will His mercy ever let me die;

in Him there dwells a treasure all divine,

and matchless grace has made that treasure mine.

O that my soul could love and praise Him more,

His beauties trace, His majesty adore,

live near His heart, upon His bosom lean,

obey His voice and all His Will esteem.

Who would you like to find on the island for company?

Being on a Desert Island, with only one other person, would be a real challenge because as a society we rely on and interact with many people. There are those who are well known from the past and there are many who have lived godly lives, quietly getting on with the Lord's work. One such person is Sister Eva of Friedenshort, who having come to faith as a young girl in Germany, chose to give up a very privileged life to help those whom society ignored or wanted to dispose of. She used what resources she had to care for abandoned children and the destitute, seeking to show the love of Christ whilst teaching them the word of God. With often poor health and little resources, she gave everything in order to point people to the Saviour. Her calm manner was a testimony to the love and grace of God. She proved again and again that He is able to supply all needs and many were richly blessed because of her sacrificial life in which she always gave glory to her heavenly father.

Christ for us: Our righteousness

Christ in us: Our sanctification

Christ through us: Our strength

This was her motto and the word impossible in the work was not in her vocabulary as she believed with all her heart that with God all things are possible in His will. An ideal person to be with on a Desert Island.