Day 35

Iona Collings | Re:Hope Southside

When I’ve shared my story with those in the Church, I’ve been met only with kindness, which is why I am sharing my story today, for it to help or encourage at least one person.

Although I want to refrain from sharing details, over the past 7 years, I have suffered a small number of acute stress episodes, the first one being in 2018. In February 2019, I then started attending Re:Hope Southside, where I felt like a shell of a person. I was fragile, and honestly the best way I could describe it is a bit like a broken tile. You can see where the repairs have to be made, but I wasn’t quite there yet.

I had been believing that because this happened in my early adult life, that it would be formative of the life I would continue to lead into my older years. I had been certain that the episodes were just something that could happen at any given point and would be something I would have to deal with, even if I became more aware of my triggers and symptoms. 

In June 2023, I suffered from another episode, and this was around the time of Brian’s Ephesians series. I mention this specifically as this series focussed on spiritual warfare, and I wasn’t ready or able to listen. 

I recognise that over these past 2 years, God has been bringing healing. In 2025, during Brian’s most recent series “Wonderful Freedom”, I was encouraged to take ownership and begin a battle of prayer. I took on Brian’s point of “Do not let your misery continue unchallenged.” This is still a journey for me, but I firmly believe that God is bringing restoration in a variety of ways, in order to continue His healing work. I also wouldn’t describe myself as a broken tile anymore! Which helps me recognise how much healing God has done, even if I’m not able to provide examples or put it into words.

I have started to break the lie I was believing, break off fear, and trust that God wants me to have the gift of fullness of life, and that He will help me get there. I have already experienced the joy of the Lord in my lowest, and I know that He will continue to be with me through it all. 

Arwen | Re:Hope West End

So my story of answered prayer is a little bit more general and is about the past 6 months. I’m a 21 year old student from the Netherlands, studying a semester abroad in Glasgow. Before leaving my home, I prayed a lot that God would be with me during this half year in a completely new environment and that I would meet kind people, but mostly that I would draw closer to him. I didn’t know why, but the last few days before my flight, I felt this excitement and peace, and I just knew that this was the right thing to do. I prayed to find a church and that I would make friends eventually so I was not feeling alone. 

So, on my second day in Scotland, I stepped into Re:Hope West End to never skip a Sunday service since. Within two weeks I made amazing friends through church, who immediately made me feel like I was home. Even before I realised, my weeks were packed with all this exciting stuff, and I kept being invited by so many kind people. I had faith God would provide, but I would have never thought He would provide so early. It was just blessing after blessing. Everyday I was excited for what I would be doing and what people I might meet this time. I kept in touch with friends, whilst also meeting new people, I even met an amazing Jesus-loving guy with whom I hope to continue my life with :). 

I’ve literally never felt alone during my entire stay of 6 months! When I look back, God answered so many questions and prayers through loving people right when I needed it. I spend so much more time with God now, and I feel like God planted a burning desire in my heart to get to know Him more and share His love with my dear friends back home. That's why even though I’m sad to leave, I am also thrilled to know there is so much more to learn and give in the Netherlands!

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“Do not let your misery continue unchallenged.” Ask God to help you take the next step to combat the schemes of the enemy in your life, and instead receive the blessings and joys of the Lord.