“I Wasn’t Looking for God – He Found Me”
An Interview with Tracey on Her Journey to Salvation
Q: Tracey, thank you for sharing your story with us. To start, can you tell us a little about yourself?
I’ve been attending The Well since January 2007, when I was baptised. At the time, I was working for a worldwide media company. Outside of church and work, I enjoy exploring; whether it’s travelling abroad or simply walking around London, museums, and historical sites. I’ve always been interested in history, and when my niece and nephews were small, I would take them to places like the British Museum, Natural history Museum or Science Museum.
Q: Before your encounter with God, what was life like for you? Were you seeking Him at the time?
Honestly, I wasn’t seeking God at all. I wasn’t planning to be saved, baptised, or anything like that. My focus was just on life, work, and family. I knew the power of prayer because of my upbringing—growing up in church in the 80s and 90s, I saw God move. But I didn’t think I needed to change. In fact, I often told some Christians that I lived better than some of them. If I’m honest, I even had plans to go on holiday as one of sister was getting married abroad and I knew that becoming a Christian would change some of those plans. So, I had no thought of giving my life to Christ at that time.
“I knew the power of prayer because of my upbringing”
Q: So, what shifted? What led to that turning point?
It started with small things—like dreams I couldn’t shake. Around Christmas 2006, my family shared a prophecy that was circulating. My dad asked if I wanted to read it, and I flat-out refused. My cousins read it, and I could see a change in them, but I wasn’t interested at all. Still, I was facing some challenges. I would go on long walks to clear my head, but I couldn’t escape this sense of a presence following me.
Q: Can you describe the moment you accepted Jesus?
It was 20 January 2007, during an annual revival service at Bethel Oasis in Wimbledon (our sister church). I only went because my father was staying with me and took a long time to get ready, so I was ready before him (which was very unusual, when getting ready for church). I had planned to take the bus to get there, but I believe I would not have gone. That morning, Dr. Colin Cawley (from Mount Zion Apostolic Church in Toronto, Canada) was teaching about World War II and spiritual warfare, comparing himself to a fighter plane clearing the skies and protecting the bomber plane, the late Bishop Evans from Santa Cruz Jamaica who was the proceeding speaker. As I am interested in history, his words stuck with me. I even wrote in my notebook: “I’m using my father as my bulletproof vest. The bullets are getting closer, and he can no longer protect me. I need my own protection.” I didn’t even remember writing it until later. At lunch, my cousins and I wanted to leave as I had arranged lunch, but we were persuaded to stayed. I was asked to speak with Dr. Cawley and then Bishop Evans joined. During the conversation I was asked a two simple questions: Do you believe Jesus Christ is Lord? Do you believe He died for your sins? I said yes. When they prayed for me, I began to cry—no, to wail— I didn’t expect anything dramatic. But suddenly, I felt something rise inside me, like words forming deep within and then I was speaking in tongues. When I opened my eyes, everyone who had been around me was gone. It was just me, sitting on the rostrum, filled with the Holy Spirit. That same evening, I was baptised—by my father. I hadn’t planned it. I just went to Sainsbury’s, grabbed what I needed, and stepped into the water.
“But suddenly, I felt something rise inside me, like words forming deep within and then I was speaking in tongues.”
Q: How did life change after that day?
Immediately, I felt different. Even my colleagues noticed. When I returned to work on Monday, they couldn’t understand what had happened to me over the weekend. Some said I already lived like a Christian before and did not see the need for me to take that step, but now they saw something even deeper, something they couldn’t explain. I stopped doing certain things, like going to pubs. God was reshaping my choices from the inside out. At work, people asked questions. Once, I was at lunch with about 20 colleagues, and when a few asked me about my faith, the whole table went silent to listen, I had hesitated at first but found the courage to speak openly about Jesus.
Q: What challenges have you faced since becoming a Christian?
One challenge has been the culture at work, especially in the city where drinking and socialising are a big part of office life. I had to learn to say no without always having to give explanation. Over time, that culture began to change, but in the beginning, it set me apart. I’ve also learned that you can’t always rely on others to hold you up. People have their own struggles, and sometimes you won’t find someone to talk to in the moment. You must decide to stand on your own two feet, lean on God, and keep walking in faith.
Q: Finally, what would you say to someone reading this who is unsure about faith or hesitant to commit to God?
There is no such thing as a grey area with God. You can’t live in two worlds—half for God and half for yourself. You must choose. If you don’t yet know Jesus, but you know there must be something bigger out there, just ask Him: “God, if You’re real, show me the truth.” You don’t need theological debates, or fancy words. If your heart is sincere, He will show you. And trust me—you’ll encounter Him in ways you will never expect. Tracey’s testimony is a reminder that sometimes we’re not looking for God—but He is looking for us. I did not choose Jesus, Jesus chose me.
“I did not choose Jesus, Jesus chose me”
