Introducing Alison
Returning to our ‘interviews’ with team members, let’s meet Alison.
How did you become a Christian?
Well, I had been brought up by my mum to go to Church and to Sunday school, but it was when I was on a “weekend away” at the age of 12 that I realised going to Church didn’t make me a Christian. I needed to become a Christian by giving my life to Jesus and so I made a clear decision that I was going to “follow Jesus” and make him number 1 in my life. I received the Holy Spirit at the same time on the eve of my 13th birthday! What a gift!!
Who/ what are the key influences in your life and in what way?
Well, there are many so I will just mention three here… The first was the children’s worker who led me to the Lord. She had such a passion to see children come to faith and to grow in faith. This has affected my understanding of how important children are in the family of the church and why excellent Kids ministry cannot be understated!
The second is a woman, who was a fabulous role model to me in my teenage years and who I feel has shaped the way I feel about the importance of “the community” of the church. She placed incredible value on being a “church family”. She modelled in the most incredibly hospitable way the benefits of belonging to a fun home group where we ate yummy food and enjoyed good times together in God’s presence.
Finally, going to Brazil on a gap year after University, was and still is an experience that has not only shaped my life and my walk with God but my understanding of “The Church” also! Seeing how the church there has responded to its social responsibility to meet the needs of the poor is central to my understanding that faith has to act and have an impact on those around you. It is the reason why I feel so compelled to ‘get out there!’
What is your favourite Bible Character and Verse?
Amos, a prophet in the Old Testament, who lived up to his convictions, standing up for the poor and the oppressed. My favourite verse is, Amos 5v24 “Let justice roll on like a river and righteousness like an ever flowing stream.” For obvious reasons!
How did you become part of Jubilee Church?
Well that story started many years ago just after Rob and I got married and God started to put Solihull on our hearts and we are so excited about what God has begun doing in Jubilee and all that is yet to come!
Sum up your role in the church in 7 words!
The community of Solihull and Jubilee!
How do you keep an appropriate church/work/life balance?
We have a lot of “caring friends” and family who keep an eye on us and learning to say yes and no. We have also been learning about the importance of “emotional well-being” and taking care of ourselves because after all we are in this for the long haul!
Top 3 parenting tips.
God first and then everything else comes next. Sometimes this means family, sometimes this means friends and sometimes this means church. The greatest family lesson we have learnt is about having God in the centre of everything we do.
What has been your favourite Holiday destination so far?
Spain this year was fabulous!- but basically anywhere I get to hang out with my family, make new friends, try new foods, soak up some sun and have a go at speaking a new language ticks all my boxes!
What are your favourite hobbies/ interests?
Well, anyone who knows me, knows that I love Christmas and have even be known to watch Christmas films at any point in the year! I love good food and trying new recipes. I love a bargain and am involuntarily drawn to discounted items in supermarkets! I love Brazilians and their passion for life and their beautiful, beautiful language! I love enjoying the company of good friends and a glass of wine. I hate, hate camping.
Thanks Alison. It’s been great to find out more about you. Don’t forget to make sure you don’t miss anything by signing up with your email address to receive blog posts directly to your inbox.
