“Lavished with knowledge and care”
“Lavished with knowledge and care”
Sarah Dodd, a former Certificate student with a focus on youth work, talks about her difficult but dynamic story of meeting and serving Jesus.
by Helen Harwood,
HH: How did you first hear about CMS and what led you to want to study with us?
SD: I came to know about CMS early in 2021, following an intensive internet search of places to study where I could learn the foundations of Christianity, surrounded by love, without judgment of my immaturity in Christ.
What led me to CMS was a night that changed my life forever while living on the Isle of Wight. I encountered Jesus in a very physical way, was held in his embrace, filled with peace, love and hope at a time that felt far from peaceful.
His loving words wiped away years of tears and from that moment I have been fiercely chasing him, to grow in knowledge, wisdom and discernment. To understand the truth and fulfil his will for my life.
CMS was the only place I felt drawn to, I could think of nothing else. At that time, I had no idea that I would be living just 20 minutes up the road within a year of my Jesus encounter. All praise be to God.
After a year of waiting, you got onto the course and how did you find it?
I remember being so uplifted and excited by all the teaching at CMS, I particularly enjoyed the fellowship and learning. The other students provided valuable insights and experiences which were equally as inspiring as the tutors. I felt a sense of belonging, an acceptance as we not only studied and worshipped but navigated life together.
Lunchtimes were just as informative as the lectures, as the tutors came along side us and lavished us with such a wealth of knowledge and care. I felt part of something, I was gaining insight, I was learning so many new things; I felt close to God and I just wanted more.
In your own words, please do tell us what you can about your difficult situation and how God brought you through it?
Unfortunately, I was unable to continue my studies with CMS due to the increasing care needs of my son. He is autistic, he faced many challenges across his teenage years which led to a mental health breakdown.
I not only had to give up studying at CMS, but also my job as an outreach worker and my voluntary youth work role. In fact, all aspects of my life, including church and fellowship came to a grinding halt and were replaced with 24/7 watchful care for my son.
The trials came thick and fast, my prayers and faith never faulted. Breakthrough came and my son was restored. Hallelujah, my faith deepened, my love for Jesus surpassing all explanation.
Just as I was thinking of returning to life, from nowhere I was hit with illness. I experienced debilitating symptoms, unable to function. After many tests and investigations, I was diagnosed with idiopathic intracranial hypertension, a serious neurological condition defined as an abnormal increase of cerebrospinal fluid around the brain which can cause blindness among other things.
On the days that I could only lay down, I stayed in prayer and read the word. On the days that I could not open my eyes to read; I listened to the word through audible and the Bible app. On the days that I had no strength to follow a worship song; I sang from the spirit instead. Every day, in every way I honoured God, I called out to Jesus, I glorified him and gave thanks for the time that I had to build a relationship with him. The kind of relationship I had prayed for so fervently on the day I accepted him as my Lord and saviour.
Through it all, I stand on his word, I put my trust and faith in him and know my illness will be defeated as his word tells me so.
Your faith is so amazing and you have been through such tough times. Thank you for sharing that. I also know, you have done amazing work in your community, can you share some of the highlights?
I have been incredibly blessed with the community work I have done throughout my life, and incredibly privileged to have touched the lives of so many.
More recently I worked in Berinsfield to create outreach opportunities for the village. I ran weekly craft sessions, lawn games, multi-cultural groups, computer drop ins and one-to-one support. Working in partnership with other organisations to provide a community larder, food parcels, debt advice, citizens advice, healthy living and so much more. The community garden that we created there is still thriving and a valuable source of food and education to all.
The youth work has been a particular highlight over the years, especially working with disadvantaged youth, climbing mountains, delivering music events, residentials to Wales and Kenya. All designed for them to overcome personal struggles through challenge and adventure, building confident, stable individuals.
That’s a truly encouraging testimony! I know you’re in a period of waiting to see what God has for you, can you share about that and how you manage the ‘waiting game’?
Now, my health condition is under control my prayers are less focused on healing and more focused on God’s will for my life. I have a vision that is slowly being revealed, and, in the meantime, I do what I know my Father’s will is; to go out and preach the gospel, to give to the poor. To heal the sick and set the captives free. It is our great commission, therefore, instead of feeling like a failure, without purpose, I share God’s word daily, via text, written cards or in conversation.
I love like Jesus, meaning I recognise everyone, no matter their circumstances, as precious children of God and offer support, which could be a food parcel, a lift, encouragement to come to church or an act of kindness in another way.
I spend time in daily worship, prayer, praying for those in need and Bible studies. I attend church and fellowship meals. I surround myself with people that are full of the fruits of the Spirit and encourage one another.
This allows me to have joy in the waiting and deepen my relationship with God. I give my life daily to God and ask for his will to be done, and most importantly I trust in him, for he knows the plans he has for me.
How can we pray for you?
Thank you, I truly believe in the power of prayer so my prayer would be for God’s will to be done over my life, for a heart of my Father and that he would restore the years that the locusts have taken, for complete healing and alignment with the word of God. I pray for doors to be opened and financial stability.
