Jen
Jen Whillans tells her story…
Jen is a Post Graduate student studying a PhD
in Social Change at Manchester University. She
moved to Manchester in September 2007.
When I arrived in Manchester it was really important to me to find a church and get
rooted as soon as possible. I visited a couple of churches when I arrived, but then
found King’s Church on the internet. I admit that initially I was swayed by the central
location of King’s House and the nice looking building, but the first meeting I
came to just blew me away; I can safely say that it is the people that made me want
to commit to the church! Immediately I could see that King’s Church are a people
who are passionate in their worship of Jesus, and who know and love the Bible.
Very quickly I learnt what was meant when the elders said, “We’re not like a family;
we are a family.” Family members know each others names, spend time together,
eat together, notice when someone is away or in need, support and encourage
one another, serve one another… The extent and depth of this family life in King’s
Church has blessed me immensely. I was so encouraged by how others welcomed
me and helped me that I want to give my time to people in the church; it is
my privilege to serve in the church in the ways that I can. My studies give me a
great amount of flexibility so I am able to make myself available at different times
but also it is completely understood when my workload increases and I have to get
my head down and focus.
I was given many warnings by friends at the beginning of my PhD that, “A PhD is
like a bowl of spaghetti — so many places to begin, so many ways to get lost!” and,
“a PhD is like an emotional roller coaster, with many ups and downs.” And there
have been a couple of points that have been a real slog but it has taught me to
trust God and turn to Him in all things. I’ve learnt that He’s interested and willing to
help me in the most practical of ways like giving me clarity of thought, a discerning
eye when editing, and sparking something in my head when I have absolutely no
idea where to start! It has also been amazing to be able to encourage my peers at
university out of the overflow of love and encouragement that God has shown me
through my church family.
Looking now at how much I have grown in God and how well I have come to know
people in King’s Church, it’s hard to believe that it has only been a year!
