Steve Thomas

Originally from Leeds, I now live in Dewsbury and attend the Dewsbury Gospel Church. I'm the youngest of three children. I have two older sisters - the eldest (Jackie) lives in Dubai (married with two children), and my other sister (Bev) lives a lot nearer... in Wakefield! - she is also married with two children. My folks still live in Leeds. I was married in 1996 to Debbie (the daughter of our church Pastor) and we have two gorgeous daughters: Aimée Elisabeth who was born in January 1999, and Laura Grace born January 2002 - both are real treasures!, and a wonderful blessing!

My Church background is a bit varied, and since being very young I've always considered myself to be a Christian. I attended Sunday School, and even became an Alter Boy (a long story... and a lot to do with itchy wool trousers!!). I kind of drifted from church in my mid teens, and went my way. Not rebellious, I just didn't see the point of church and so on. I never lost my faith in God however!, and my parents it seemed never stopped praying for me! When I was in my early twenties I was invited by my folks to a meeting at a church in Wakefield - to hear a Dutch Evangelist called Hans Coustrong (spelt something like that... I've never heard of the guy since!) This chap gave it large re the gospel and immediately the whole thing illuminated in my life! I realised straight away that I wasn't in fact a Christian as I had assumed, and I needed to be 'born again'! At an 'alter call' I made a commitment that weekend (Easter 1989) and the rest as they say is history!

Being a Christian is sometimes challenging, and can be difficult when you're constantly at odds it seems with the whole world going on around you. I find though that the Christian live can also be fun, enjoyable, and very rewarding. Above all the life I now live gives me purpose and meaning to an otherwise unsure existence. I live a life with purpose and focus, and this is something that I wouldn't ever exchange for 'owt' else! What about you?