Di has been married for 24 years to Chris, a painter and decorator. They have two daughters, Sarah (21) and Kerry (19) and a son, Thomas (15). Di and Tom are part of the 11.15 congregation. Di is on the coffee rota, helps at Contact (Mothers & Toddlers) group and recently began helping with children’s ministry on Sundays.
What was your childhood like?
A very happy one, with such fun and warm memories of camping holidays at Hayling Island and the Isle of Wight. You will NOT believe this, but I was very shy as a child, till I was 14 years old and my beautiful angel of a sister Carolyn brought me out of my shell and encouraged me to interact with people. My dad taught me the time and how to waltz.
After I left home I lived in Ash Vale with my sister Sue and her kids, then shared a house in York Road Aldershot. This
is when I went on a blind date and met my future husband Chris, in October 1985.
What jobs have you done?
When I left school I worked at Unigate Dairies until 1989, when I left to have Sarah. Then I was at Tesco, part time on reception and tills. Then I had Kerry and Thomas. I also worked at St Michael’s Pre-school as a deputy supervisor, then I was a carer for Care UK, now I work as a home help for Age Concern UK.
How did you become a Christian?
In 1980, my sister Carolyn (18 yrs) and I (16) were coming home from a night club. There was a car crash and Carolyn was killed on impact, I got out with broken ribs and cuts. Seven months later my dad died of a heart attack aged 49. I feel that only those who have known suffering can understand what Jesus’ sufferings were – for our sake.
In 1984, I had a near fatal penicillin reaction. I saw a glimpse of heaven – only for a few moments; I saw brilliant white, gold and stretched out arms, then I woke up in Frimley Park on a bed of ice. This was in January 1984 and I started going to the King’s Centre.
Has your Christian life been plain sailing since?
No, I kept walking away because of the sinful distractions around me. The closer I tried to get to Jesus or read the word, Satan would try and steal it from me. I ended up angry and confused with God. Since I was a child of 11 until the present day, nine members of our huge family have died. It was not until our son Thomas was born, 15 weeks premature, that I started properly praying again.
What brought you to Holy Trinity?
My friends Yvette and Lottie used to come to HT and Yvette being very persuasive brought me along – when I walked through the doors, the feelings in me were overwhelming. I cried and laughed for the first month. I knew Carol (Dimsdale) from years ago and also Terry, Julie and Gareth Gardner from Kings (awesome friends, love them).
It was three years ago, in December 2007, that I came to Holy Trinity and I can honestly say, that is when I became a true Christian. Then last year, 2010, when I went to Axminster for the second time, I had an awesome encounter with the Holy Spirit, as many did – it has given me more time to be in God’s presence and the courage to face the family issues between my Mum, brother and sister – also to handle Tom’s autism and two teenage daughters.
In my first year at HT I didn’t get too involved in any service to the Church. The second year I started to be more involved. Now I have stepped out of my comfort zone and am involved in many services to the Church. This year I knew I wanted to be re-baptised and renew my commitment to follow Jesus and I had a reaffirmation on March 6th. I also wanted to do tell my story in ‘Spotlight’ and to try out the Town Centre Pastoral Team.
Because my husband is not a Christian, it has been very hard to share what I have learnt and what I do at Holy Trinity – at my work and amongst neighbours and friends none are Christians, so that is why I keep in touch by e-mail or phone with members of Holy Trinity. I love to involve people around me in Church functions, and have brought many to the events.
What do you do in your spare time?
When I get a chance, I like to read, soak in a bath listening to worship CDs, keep fit at home. I enjoy quiz nights, cinema, doing puzzles, swimming, eating out and Soul Sisters’ events.
And finally …
For such a long time I felt there was a gap in my life, but since I came to Holy Trinity – it has been well and truly filled. The warmth of friendships I have made has been overwhelming: George, Jane, the fellowship/POD groups I am in, are so important to me.
God is my daily Saviour, I love Him with heart, mind, body and Soul.
On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.
Holy Trinity Church Aldershot