I was born into a Catholic family which I personally consider to be a lucky thing; some of you may not agree. It meant however that from an early age I was made aware, surrounded and filled with God’s love and it was therefore an integral part of my life. I also attended a Catholic primary school from which I never thought to question God’s love. He was everything in my life and still is.

This deep faith became more structured and I became aware that I had a choice about going to Scripture Union camps. Not only were there absolutely fantastic flour and water fights there every year, but also scripture and prayer. This also helped me to question and really deepen my faith. Discussion with my family ensued and it is they who have really shown me (and still do!) that Christianity has to be about how we live and not just what we say. When we accept God into our lives, we have to think about what that really means. How should we behave and treat others? How can we possibly attempt to evangelize if we ourselves are not living examples? (Matthew 19; James 2/4 etc.; Colossians 2:6–8; Galatians 5:13)

Coming to university after attending a secular school, where the only Christian support was the excellent Christian Education Movement (really CU only we weren’t allowed unions!), I was able to join Cassoc which provided me with immense support and the opportunity to truly strengthen and grow in my relationship with God, through talks from some truly amazing and inspiring people. I would like here to just mention one woman who came and really inspired me who worked for the Terrance Higgins Trust called Sister Una Conran. She was truly inspired and really is living her life simply showing love to all who cross her path, it’s not for me to ask questions she told me, just to do what I can.

It is sad to see such division among Christians on campus, especially since I had previously only had good experiences of Christians of different denominations supporting one another in a secular world and knew what a powerful witness to others that could be. I still pray that we will learn how important it is to share (talking and listening) with other Christians, and other faiths as well, that by learning (not presuming) and respecting (that doesn’t have to mean agreeing) we may come to understand each other and God a little better, for none of us know him completely. (Romans 2:12–24; 1 Corinthians 1:10–16,12,14; James 4:1; 1 Peter 2; Philippians 2:1–5; Ephesians 4:1–6)

I hope that I will continue, on a personal level, to know God more nearly and trust in Him to show me how my future should go. I want to leave you with a very little prayer:

Lord, be the beginning and end
of all we do and say,
Prompt our actions with your grace
and complete them with your all-powerful
help. Amen.

Kate Adams