Tim Bechervaise

My name is Tim Bechervaise and I have been a member of Wootton Bassett Community Church for 16 years. At the end of September 2006, I began a three year degree course in Theology at the Bible College of Wales, Swansea.

As I look back over the last 16 years at WBCC I see how God has so faithfully and lovingly matured, strengthened and encouraged me into a young believer who headed to Bible College with such a firm foundation; one which I will stand upon for ever. It is for this reason that I am so indebted to the love, guidance and discipleship so faithfully administered by WBCC. 

I have grown up always going to church, but until I became a Christian in May 2000 I had no relationship with Jesus Christ. I was a 'Sunday morning Christian'. Yet since giving my life to Christ, the church has taught me to follow and serve Jesus in every aspect of my life. The times of praise, worship and teaching disciplined me to set a foundation in the love of Christ, allowing His Holy Spirit to fill my life. Each Sunday I came back from church so strengthened and blessed. I can't quite put into words the encouragement this gave me. I felt empowered by God's love and I knew the church was there to lean on during times I struggled in my faith.

I am reminded how much WBCC has encouraged me to praise and worship God in spirit and in truth. Each Sunday we spend time praising God. These times reveal to me so much about Jesus Christ: His grace, His mercy, His forgiveness, and most of all His unconditional love. Receiving during these times led me to praise God at home, in my bedroom, while walking, while working. The joy and peace I received inspired me. My love for God grew. My passion for Jesus was awakened. I am reminded of Paul and Silas in the Bible, who despite being in prison, opened up their hearts to God and praised Him. An earthquake shook the land, their chains fell off and the prison doors opened. During times of worship before God the chains have fallen off me too and the gates blocking my heart have been released. God broke me: His love eternally replacing my shattered, lifeless heart.     

I have built so many wonderful relationships with people within the church. Their love, support and generosity are such a blessing, such a rock. Their fellowship encourages me so much. This is no more evident than in the After Hours Youth Group. I developed so many wonderful friendships during my time there. These relationships extend outside the church. They are my closest friends and they provide such a support. They inspire me. They pick me up when I fall and they bring a joy to my life that I am so grateful for. I thank God for His generosity in blessing me with a group of brothers and sisters who forever display the love of Christ.

I headed to the Bible College of Wales with a foundation rooted in God's Word and God's unconditional love. This foundation has encouraged me to lean on God, trusting in His unfailing promises. I don't know what the future holds for me or what I will be doing. One thing I do know, however, is that the Rock on which I stand now, will strengthen, encourage and bless me in His Name for ever. The Rock has always been there, but it is through the discipleship and love of the church that I have learned to stand and rest despite the fiercest storm. I am forever grateful.

Postscript

Tim completed his 3rd and final year at the Bible College of Wales in summer, 2009, having undertaken a very successful six month placement at Northgate Church in Chester before completing his dissertation at the Bible College. His hard work was rewarded with a 2:1 BTh degree in Ministry Studies. After a busy summer, but taking time out to seek the Lord's guidance for the future, he is now following God's call to stay in Wootton Bassett. He has now completed 11 months employment with Nationwide Building Society near Swindon and continues to serve his local church, Wootton Bassett Community Church, which has so faithfully nurtured and supported him over the years.

During 2009 the Bible College of Wales was relocated - to Rugby - and renamed - Trinity School of Theology. It was to the School that Tim's Mum and Dad headed on 3 July, 2010, for his graduation. A very memorable day!!