Sam Begdouri

My name is Sam Begdouri.

I have been a member of Wootton Bassett Community Church for 10 years, since April, 2000. On 20 September, 2008, I embarked on theological studies at the Bible College of Wales. 

Since I have been attending Wootton Bassett Community Church, I find myself continually being shaped and moulded by God through His patient and loving people of the church congregation. I still yet see myself undeveloped. However, God has done miracle works in my life. When I first started going to this fellowship I was argumentative, immature and did anything to try and fit in with a crowd, even at a cost of my faith. Through these years (despite me) God has worked and has been altering the desires in my heart to change my behaviour. This has been a painful process, not always because God wanted it to be so, but due to my unwillingness to change and my efforts to hold on to earthly things.

When I was 16 I was baptised. To this day I remember the warnings that my pastors gave me about life after baptism. My pastors explained that once I was baptised I would have a mountain top experience and be on fire for God. But it's when that honeymoon period goes that the enemy and self would attack. I fell into exactly what I was warned about. I would be lead astray for the next couple of years. Between about the ages of 17 and 19, I fell away from God. It was through laziness, drink and worldly crowds, which lead me from God.

Since then, due to sound teaching, discipleship, conviction and God's hand upon my life, God has brought me back to faith. It hasn't been through fear but through great love that this has happened. Today I find that the consistent teachings and the lifelong, unconditional and loving relationships that you make within the church are great encouragements and really help with a walk with Christ. As a result of this I find that talking to people about deep issues in my life has been relatively easy as roots run deep in our relationships. I am well from a cut diamond. I am still the coal in the process.

As previously stated, I am now at the Bible College of Wales. I am not only undertaking academic studies but hope to get a firm foundation in Christ through the College's tuition and discipleship. I wish to meditate on God's unveiling plan to see what the future will hold. However, whatever the calling or career may be, I have come to understand that I am to be a disciple for Christ wherever and whenever. I give thanks to those who support me through this decision I have made. It is a privilege and I thank God for the opportunity for it.  

Postscript

Sam has now completed his studies at the Bible College of Wales gaining a Certificate in Theology in Summer, 2009. He continues to worship and serve at Wootton Bassett Community Church and is currently employed by Nationwide Building Society in Swindon.