By Nicki Frodsham, Jubilee Church Wirral

When I left school I thought I was going to work in the advertising industry.

However God led me in a different direction.  At the age of 19, while studying Advertising and Marketing, I recommitted my life to God. I had attended church when I was growing up, but drifted away in my teenage years. This renewed faith made me question my future job. I know that Christians are needed across all workplaces and in all kinds of roles but I realised that God had a different path for me even though I thought I had it all planned out.

Dave and I worked in a hostel run by our church in Berkshire when we were first married. It was supported accommodation for young single people. Living and working in the hostel meant that we became part of this small community and it felt like we were family to each other. Some of the young people were just 16 and came from very difficult family situations. We would help them with basic life skills, such as learning to cook and budget.  We also saw several of them join our church community as well.  It was my first proper job and the start of the work that I later realised God had called me to.  My job at the hostel led me to go on to train as a social worker.

I believe our gifts will continue to develop and be used in new roles. I know for me that God has developed my passion and gifting along with my life experiences to contribute to what I do in all areas of my life. Since this time, I have sought to support families and individuals that we have met, but also now through my work at Safe Families where I help to connect volunteers to families in crisis. (Safe Families is a Christian Charity “offering support, hope and belonging to improve the lives of those in our communities.”) 

I was struck by something that Denise said in her recent preach: “As we grow, God will surround us with the people we need at specific times in our lives.” 

That has very much been my own experience in my life.  I have been blessed with God providing the right people at the right time. I know that there have been significant times when I have been blessed by specific people, who have encouraged or supported or directed me. Friendship and support goes both ways. Even in supporting someone I have also been blessed.

We recently felt led to host some people from Ukraine.  We were unsure how it might work out but really felt stirred to want to help in a practical way so we took a step of faith.  We have definitely been blessed by having two amazing ladies in our home. Our two guests have been a source of practical support as well as much laughter as we learn to communicate together.  

God has given me a heart of compassion for those who are vulnerable and isolated but as I get older I am becoming more aware of my own limitations.  I aspire to live by these verses from Micah 6:8:

And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Continue to allow God to direct you on your path and let me encourage you to reach out to someone in need. I am sure you too will also be blessed as you become a blessing to someone else.

God bless

Nicki

Nicki Frodsham of Jubilee Church Wirral