by Syd Bland
This year I have been a Christian for half of my life. During my early years I cannot recall having had too many problems. I was born before the Second World War started; so most things were very different from today's world. There were lots of difficulties, in wartime Leeds, but I know now I was well shielded from the anxieties that the war brought.
In 1946 I left school aged fourteen; I got my first job as an apprentice in the printing industry. Although during the years to come I was to be made redundant on three occasions, I was never unemployed at any stage and I retired in 1997.
So the years passed, I was married in 1958 to Pauline, we have three children and now have seven granddaughters. Then in 1967 I was to meet 'a most remarkable man'. He came to work at the company where I worked, on the same shift, and on my machine, as my assistant. We worked together for a number of years, he became a very special and lasting friend, not only to me and our family, but also to many other families in Leeds and elsewhere.
He talked to me about the Lord everyday; gradually I too learned to put my trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. He was 'a most remarkable man'. I believe that the Lord sent him specially. Meeting this man and hearing his ministry was to change my life forever. He was also instrumental as his ministry touch Pauline and my parents. I believe the Lord sent him, to tell us the entire gospel message that Jesus loved us and died for us. I know that he too knew that the Lord had sent him.
Since I trusted Jesus and gave my heart to Him, there have many great and exciting mountain top experiences, which strengthen our faith and deepens our love for Him! However it has not all been plain sailing. In 1981 I suffered a stroke, it came out of the blue, I had no idea what was happening to me. It happened whilst I was in bed asleep, I woke up feeling my leg was cold and the right side of my body was devastated, my strength reduced, I was so weak I was unable to walk or talk properly for many months. I believe through the power of prayer and the healing touch of the Master Physician, good care and attention, a steadfast determination, I was able to make a remarkable recovery.
Unfortunately for me I was only able to enjoy being well for a short while when I was involved in a Road Traffic Accident on my way to a church meeting. The roads were icy, I skidded and ended up in St. James Hospital in Leeds, with injuries and broken bones that took a long time to heal. I have realised that in either of the incidents I could have lost my life, I also realised that the Lord had His hand on me and that is the greatest comfort possible. That was all over twenty years ago now.
He is still my Lord, and I love him, and continually praise Him!