'Faith makes you complete'

Children and Families Worker Emma Johnson shares how faith has transformed her life.

I grew up with my grandparents and knew things like the Lord’s Prayer, but Christianity wasn't something that I followed as a child. It was kind of something I felt I had to do.

I had a friend who did the Alpha course who talked about how good it was. I worked in a primary school to teach RE of all subjects, so Christianity was one of those religions I had to teach.

I decided to explore more and went in with an open mind, starting the course in February 2021 during lockdown. I was really struggling with my mental health at this time, so this felt like a turning point.

The course was like a little guide along the way, just opening my mind and asking questions and kind of starting the healing journey. The most powerful point was the Holy Spirit Day on the Alpha course, which we had to do over Zoom because of Covid. It was such an emotional experience. I was crying on a screen in front of six people who I didn’t know very well. I just couldn't speak; it was really overwhelming letting in the Holy Spirit.

I was struggling at work and at school. I had a lot going on and wondered what I could do about this. I prayed and asked where God wanted me to go. The Centenary Project Worker post came up at St John’s Goole, but I knew it would be a big decision having worked in school for 18 years.

I carried on praying and I remember having a vision during a Sunday service of a silhouette bridge over water with a lily floating by underneath. The Vicar (Hannah Patton) asked me to try and interpret it myself and see what God was saying to me. I saw it as a bridge to something new, something that would bring peace. I decided to apply for the job and I got it.

To me, faith is an ongoing journey. Faith can bring comfort, security, belief. I think faith just makes you complete.

Emma Johnson is a Centenary Project Worker at St John’s Goole in the Diocese of Sheffield. The Centenary Project, working with children, young people and families in the Diocese of Sheffield, has been funded by the Diocese of Sheffield and Strategic Development Funding.