A Church that Fits

09 Mar 2010

My parents became Christians before I was born so I grew up in a Christian environment. But with that there was always an element of rebellion.

I was involved at church and in youth group, but I began questioning my faith when I was 16. I wasn’t sure anymore. I wasn’t getting my questions answered.

I went to Samoan churches, I went to Maori churches, to Pakeha churches, and to mixed churches. I tried lots of churches, but I found it quite hard to tie into a church. My faith was weakening.

I started hanging out with friends and drinking. When I was about 19 I decided to give up Christianity altogether.

Three years later, things started to change. I moved back to Wellington in November 2008 after having been away for several months. I was having a hard time with life, relationships and with God.

Praying again

In early 2009 I started to pray again. I got to a point where I got down on my hands and knees and I said, ‘God, the next church I go to needs to be a fit. If you want me back, I need an invitation to my church—one that fits.’

I decided no more alcohol, no more hanging out with my drinking buddies.

One of my teammates at my new job asked me out for coffee one day and said, ‘Marina, God wants you back. You know it. You’ve been dragging your feet.’ I was shocked.

He invited me to his church, The Salvation Army Wellington 614 Corps. I didn’t commit or promise anything, but I went. It was fun and nutty. I had questions being answered. I knew I fit there.

The family I was asking for

I needed a family and God gave me exactly the family I was asking for. God gave me a church that fits. On 1 November 2009 I was enrolled as a soldier in The Salvation Army and signed both the English and Maori versions of the Articles of War.

This year, I’m doing Praxis, a course in Christian youth work. It will help me build my ministry with youth. I believe I’m called to youth work. I’m also getting married this year—to the man who invited me to 614.

I used to think I had no control as a Christian, because other people were telling me what to do. But I actually have more control over my life now. I’m no longer destructive to myself and others. I’ve regained trust and dignity.

I feel like I can truly be something—I feel like I can do stuff for God. He picked a church for me, I fit and I’m happy.

By Marina-Ora Gell (from War Cry magazine)