Together with… Ellie and Sam

Two of the hosts of Saturday evening’s worship session answer their own God Date Podcast questions.

Ellie 

What are you grateful for?

Friends and family. It’s when I’m the most happy. I’m able to be myself, have fun and I can always go to them.

What song or piece is helping you connect with God at the moment?

‘King of Kings’. It reminds me that, no matter what, we should always praise God. I also love ‘Thank You Jesus for the Blood’ as it talks about the selfless love of God. Even though we might not be on the right path or we might be in a tough place, he is still with us and did that selfless act for us.

What’s your favourite Bible verse and why?

I have two at the moment. ‘Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go’ (Joshua 1:9). This has been an important verse for me as I have recently taken part in the Joshua Project, where we learn more about our own leadership and discipleship. It reminds me that, even though leadership may not be an easy path, God will be with me. I also have 1 Peter 5:7 – ‘cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you’ – on the wall in my room. Especially during exam periods, this verse has been really prevalent for me. When I’m stressing, I can give it all to God and he will help me through it.

Who has been an influence on your spiritual journey?

My parents – if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be going to church in the first place. They are also open to me talking about anything to do with my faith. Amy Dickinson, who I can turn to and ask anything without hesitation. Finally, Emily Carpenter has been my mentor through the Joshua Project and Transformers, which both look at discipleship, leadership and more. She has always pushed me into taking leaps, which has grown me hugely in my faith.

What does praying look like for you and what can people pray for you?

Praying for me often involves music – I connect with God through the words. I’m going into my second year at college and will soon start looking and applying for universities, so prayers through that whole process.

Sam 

What are you grateful for?

I think people are brilliant and endlessly fascinating, as well as kind in ways I’m always inspired by seeing. Side answer: Mini Cheddars! They keep me going.

What song or piece is helping you connect with God at the moment?

‘Who You Say I Am’ by Hillsong is so easy to sing and not think about, but I’ve found myself recently revisiting that title line, and all the things it has to say about living my life not just with, but for God. Also, it’s a banger!

What’s your favourite Bible verse and why?

Isaiah 43:18 and 19, particularly the New Living Translation: ‘But forget all that – it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.’ These verses really capture for me that ours is a God of the future – of the ‘what next?!’ – who presents us new opportunities all the time. These verses are full of the hope and promise God provides.

Who has been an influence on your spiritual journey?

Barbara Joy from Openshaw. She radiates a happiness and a spirituality I want to emulate to everyone. I’m a huge fan.

What does praying look like for you and what can people pray for you?

What I love about prayer is its versatility – it can be done out and about, wherever and whenever. I do a lot of on-the-go, in-the-moment prayer. I think praying out loud is great too – certainly something I should do more often! – helping to make tangible a sometimes abstract-feeling conversation with God. Hence why I lobbied for it to be included in our evening at Together! I’ve just finished my first year of university, so would love prayer for rest over a nice, long summer, and sustenance for my next year of study!