[0:00] up you come. Everybody loves you, everybody's trying to you, don't need to be nervous. Thank you for coming up and sharing your testimony.
[0:11] So, yes, I was good on the time after service today, but I'll push that aside. For those of you who don't know me, my name's Reena Torr, Fiona's MGE daughter. I'm 21 and I just got back from university. And I'm doing my testimony tonight. So, I was brought up with a Christian background. My mum took me to church every Sunday and I had church friends and it seemed like I was on the right course, you know, I was set. And that's where I met Naomi, one of my friends who I've been friends with ever since, down in England. And she's relevant later on actually. And we did all sorts of family adventures and fellowship and life couldn't have been better. Yes, well, when I moved to Scotland, that was when, shortly after, my dark face happened. I found things very difficult going again through secondary school. My family was very worried about me and I, you know, had trouble with friends and they hindered me in my progression towards coming a Christian and I didn't know at the time. And so, they,
[1:40] I was young and they had a bigger influence on me than Jesus did at the time and family did. And there is a verse from Proverbs 24, 1-12, which says, Do not envy wicked men, do not desire their company for their hearts fought violence and their lips talk about many trouble.
[2:08] And that applies to me because I didn't know at the time, but the friends that had a huge influence on me weren't in any way looking out for my best interest. And it wasn't until Nepal actually, we went out in 2013, and that set me on my course towards becoming a Christian. It was a huge part of my life. At that point, I had lost all of the friends that I thought were friends and it was a very difficult time for me. And this point helped me realise that there were people there for me and that God, he was after I really realised that God, he had a plan for me and it was, his plan was better. This, before that, I went down to Solstiver and it was a year before that. And then I stayed with Naomi again. And she was, we were about 15. And it was a funny story actually. I was standing in her room waiting for her to come out and I was half up and ready to go up to Solstiver. And then I just happened to glance at the board and it had a prayer list there. And at the very top of her prayer list was my name in capital letters. And I don't think I'd spoken to her much that year. And she remembered that I needed help. Like I'd never told her, I'd not talked to her, but she realised in the last time she saw me that, you know, things weren't looking too great.
[3:47] And this showed me later on that it's important to pray for others and to be a big part of fellowship. Like the other people that are with you in Christ are extremely important. And prayer within that group is even greater importance.
[4:09] And there's a verse from Romans 1 and 12, which also states this. When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours.
[4:23] So that shows that other people praying encourages you, encourages both of you. And, but it was the year after I went to Solstiver again. And this is when I became a Christian.
[4:37] And 2 Corinthians 5 to 17, see. I can't read my hands, I think. This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone. A new life has begun.
[4:56] So basically, the story of that was, it was a fairly quick decision. It wasn't, I wasn't prepared for it in any way, but I went for it anyway.
[5:09] And, but it made a huge apparent change and everybody in my life noticed it straight after when I got back. And, and, and, and then I have actually this son, 32, that applies to this, the, and, oh, what joy for those who, whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight.
[5:34] Yes, what joy for those whose, I can't read my mum's handwriting. I can't read my mum's handwriting. Who's record the love, love has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived.
[5:50] Incomplete honesty. Incomplete honesty. Um, sorry about that, I'm sorry to say to my heart. Um, so, yeah, I, it was all alright, you know, I went through many Christian trials, um, after that, um, and it was a year after.
[6:08] Uh, that I went to uni. And, um, this was a huge part of my life again. Um, you know, I was going away from home. I was 17.
[6:20] Um, my mum was still a bit, oh, I don't really know how this is going to happen. You know, she's only been a Christian for a year. It could go either way. Um, but I knew God was moving to you in this time.
[6:32] And, um, he kept me safe through it all. And, in John 14, 16, 17. I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate.
[6:44] He will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into, leads into all truth. Uh, the world cannot receive him, because it isn't looking for him.
[6:57] And doesn't recognize him, because he lives with you now, and later will be in you. Um, this, it was extremely obvious that he had a plan for me.
[7:07] Not sure after, actually it started before I left the uni. Because I think I applied late, and I didn't have any accommodation. Or I didn't, for some reason I didn't have accommodation.
[7:18] And, um, I don't know if any of you used the Challenger bus. It's the church we contacted. Neil actually contacted my mum to say that somebody in the church had a room I could stay in.
[7:31] And my mum was, and she was like, yes, this is great. You know, I'm going to be safe. And the people who are nice and will take care of me. And, um, I didn't realize at the time that I actually ended up staying in the minister's house.
[7:45] So I was packed up and sent away, and I arrived, and I was like, okay. You know, but, um, they were brilliant. And, um, I actually ended up dating their son.
[7:57] So, that all turned out for the best, I guess. My mum was like, she didn't even describe her joy. But, um, yeah, um, they've been brilliant for me.
[8:10] And the church there is absolutely wonderful. And, uh, I have a verse there for that one as well. Um, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find.
[8:21] Keep on knocking, and the door will be open to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be open. And, um, obviously I was praying, and my mum were praying.
[8:34] And that verse accurately describes what was happening. Before and after, this time. Um, so, this shows that everything was provided through the prayer.
[8:51] That everybody, even people I don't know, were praying for. And my mum and me. And, um, I actually have another one for that one as well. In John 14, 1-4, it says Jesus speaking, saying, Do not let your hearts be troubled.
[9:07] Trust in God. Trust, trust also in me, in my Father's house, on many rooms. If it were not so, I would have told you.
[9:18] I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you too. To be with me. That you also may be where I am.
[9:30] You know, this is something, to the place where I am. I really should be reading from my Bible. It's quite a hand-breaking. Um, so, this shows that he's prepared for everything.
[9:44] He's prepared for even the future. We don't even know what it is. And he's ready for it. Um, so, through the church, I made better relationships.
[9:55] And I love all my friends there. And they definitely care for me. And I know this. And I, without their friendship, I wouldn't have realised that the friends I had before weren't proper friends.
[10:06] They weren't healthy friends. They weren't going to help me with my Christian travels. Um, and I was extremely encouraged by the pastor who actually gave me a note.
[10:18] And this applies to, this couldn't apply to everyone here. And not here. It says, You're a child of God, and he wants you to come to him. He wants to show himself to you, that you may understand that he is real, and has prepared a place in heaven for you.
[10:32] God wants you to know that you do not have to rely on anyone, as he will always be there for you. He will keep you safe in this world and beyond. And that encouraged me greatly.
[10:45] And, um, it was a very difficult time at that point, because obviously I'd not been there very long. And, um, it was a total new start. And for him to give that to me, and say that to me, um, was extremely encouraging for what I was doing.
[11:01] Um, so, in Romans 5, 2 to 5, um, through who we have gained access by faith, into this grace in which we now stand, and we rejoice in, the hope of the glory of God.
[11:19] Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because suffering produces perseverance. Perseverance character, and character hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
[11:37] So, this verse applies greatly to my testimony that I've given so far. Um, as I learnt to persevere, and, obviously I gained a fabulous character.
[11:51] So, um, as for the future to come, I'm at a point again, where I have to put my trust in God, I have to realise that, I've finished uni, he had a plan for me, he's going to repeat everything he's done before.
[12:08] Um, and, I know he has my best interest at heart, and, I, I don't have any problem trusting him, it's just hard to not know what's going on.
[12:22] Um, but, um, in Jeremiah 29, 11, it says, just that, it says, for I know the plans I have for you, to close the Lord, plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, plans to give you hope, and a future.
[12:36] And he's done that so far, um, throughout my journey, God has highlighted lessons for me, that, um, prove this even further.
[12:47] Uh, and in my earlier years, these are answers to prayer, my prayers, and other people's prayers. Um, and the verse, Hebrews 10, 24 to 25, says, let us think of ways, to motivate one another, to act with love, and good works, and let us not neglect, our meetings together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now, that the day of his return, is drawing near.
[13:15] Um, the other one is, God's plans are better than mine, I might have many plans, but, ultimately, they're not going to be as good as his. Um, and the fellowship, fellowship is, um, is key to flourishing in Christ.
[13:30] Um, without all of my friendships, Christian friendships, that I've had in the past, I wouldn't be where I am now. Not even friendships, the influences that I've had. Um, and, there's also, some key points, since becoming a Christian.
[13:44] Um, there is, Matthew 6, verse 14 to 15, if you forgive those, who sin against you, your heavenly father, will forgive you.
[13:56] But if you refuse to forgive others, the father will not forgive your sins. And this was very difficult for me, after, becoming a Christian. Um, and I'm still working on it. Um, and there is, Matthew 6, 19, verse 21.
[14:14] It says, Do not store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat, and rust destroys them, and where, the eaves break in, and the thieves break in, and stir. That's fine.
[14:25] Um, store, store your treasures in heaven, where moths, oh, I just said that. However, wherever you, your treasure is, the, the desires of your heart will also be.
[14:41] And, that made me seem that, um, material possessions, you know, we can work, however much, in order to gain money, and to gain, um, things, but, really, if you don't, go on the path that God has planned for you, then, you've got nothing, you're going nowhere.
[15:00] Um, Matthew 6, 25, and, 32 to 34, says, that is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life, whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear.
[15:14] Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Seek the kingdom of God above all else, and like, righteously, live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
[15:28] So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today, trouble is enough, for today. Um, this one is still, um, a huge verse for me, because, um, obviously worry, comes back in for starting jobs, and leaving uni, and coming back home, that's a huge worry.
[15:52] Um, and, um, obviously, from all these verses, Matthew is great for life lessons. And with that, I will end with another Matthew, which is Matthew 11, 28, to 30.
[16:07] Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
[16:21] For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Thank you. That's it. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much, Dina.
[16:37] Considering you only were asked to do that, at, uh, half past one today. Um, that's, uh, very encouraging. And I don't think I've ever heard a testimony that's so saturated in Scripture, which is, uh, which is a great thing.
[16:55] So thank you for all that you shared, and, uh, we will be praying for you. But I'll ask Gordon, to preach hisongress. Thank you.
[17:07] Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you to- Thank you, nor is, Tab but you can to promote this edit machining that is a great lesson today. I boleh- and I'll event some of my events and I'll be facing my projects now, please. Thank you. And I'll try again after the trial before that my actually growing spr sneeze of reallyourse or the hunt.
[17:21] It's library such as a better idea and I'll create a facility I can offer you across my scientific circle of 탓, and I'll do that after that this hiring Jew. You'll be ready to go.