ALIVE in Julie

I was born in a very small country town in Queensland Australia, my parents were the Salvation Army Officers there.  Although we moved many times, I felt loved and secure, even though it meant going to lots of new schools and homes.

My family have been Christians for many generations, so there has never been a time when I didn’t know that Jesus loved me.  My parents and grandparents had a very strong faith and commitment to Jesus, they told me the Bible stories and prayed with me and for me. However, my father constantly reminded me that ‘God doesn’t have grandchildren’, so it was important for me to research and discover God for myself.  It didn’t take long to accept the incredible love and forgiveness of Jesus and commit to loving and serving Him. In fact, I was still a teenager when I felt a strong calling to be a Salvation Army officer.

I have doubted and questioned God while holding on to the promises I have read in the Bible.

Life hasn’t been perfect and I have experienced some extremely discouraging and heart breaking times – sometimes because of the choices I’ve made; other times through the actions and decisions of others. I have doubted and questioned God while holding on to the promises I have read in the Bible. I have discovered over and over that God is faithful and loving and I can trust Him to see me through both good and difficult times.  There have been many people throughout my life who have mentored and encouraged me to grow deeper and stronger in my faith and love for God,

I met and fell in love with Mark when I was 19. We have now been married and served God together as officers for almost 39 years. I praise God for the privilege of sharing my faith in Jesus and seeing people come to faith and grow in their love for Him.  We have a daughter and 2 sons who are all married and we are also grateful to God for our 2 grand daughters and a grandson, all under 3 years old.  It is now my privilege to continue the legacy of my family and share the love of Jesus.

Philippians 4:4-7 is one of my favourite verses of Scripture, that I pray regularly

‘Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.’