MICHAEL'S TESTIMONY
This testimony, written by Michael’s mother at his dictation, was read by Simon Mason at Michael’s baptism on Sunday, 22nd May.
My name is Michael. I was born in 1976. I was born into a Christian home and went to church regularly in Horsham. I was christened and confirmed at St. Mary’s Parish Church.
I grew up in a very close-knit family as I grew up with my mother and my brother and very close to my grandparents. My father had left home before I was two.
When I was born, I was born with cerebral palsy and so I have always attended special schools and I have therefore never had formal Scripture lessons, but I always enjoyed attending church, listening to what was said and sung.
Despite my physical disability, I know the Lord has helped me in many ways. I have been blessed with a great sense of humour; a very caring nature and a great deal of determination and patience; for which I am very grateful to Him.
When my Mum started attending Rehoboth, I was very keen to come along with her and I found myself really listening and concentrating on God’s Word and thinking about what had been said afterwards.
Then during last year, I had a really big problem where I lived, (the Doctor wanted to put me on tablets and send me to a counsellor) but I didn’t do either. I turned to the Lord and talked to Him and prayed a lot and I believe He helped me through what was a really horrible time for me. By the time the counselling appointment came through, I had the strength to cancel it.
It was at about this time I thought about baptism. (I had witnessed several at Rehoboth). So I talked to Steve about it. Steve has been down to see me several times, and I have found our time together very useful and worthwhile. I have also found listening to tapes of the Gospels very interesting.
As part of my disability I cannot read or write—but I do believe that I would like to be baptised and feel I want to follow the Lord.
Michael Bylett
May 2005