In a new feature, we will be interviewing people to find out more about themselves and their lives as Christians. This month we interview Edd & Sarah Stonham who are the Corps/Church Secretary and Children’s Work leader respectively. 

When and how did you become Christians? 

Sarah: I have been brought up in a Christian home, so I’v been a Christian all my life. 

Edd: My parents started attending the Army when I was 5, so almost all of my life.

How long have you been married?  

9 ½ years

What does difference does your faith make to your everyday life?

Knowing that whatever we have to go through, whether good or bad God is part of it and he has a reason for us to experience that. We put our trust in Him.

As parents of a young child, how do you find balancing family and work?

Sometimes it can be very difficult. With changes to Sarah’s job It makes it harder for Edd to see Samuel as he goes to bed straight away when Sarah gets home. Family time is then really a weekend thing but then other jobs need to be done, so it’s all a juggling act.
What do you like to do in your free time?  Samuel would say shopping.  Sarah says what free time?  Edd likes to listen to music and of course             his computer!

What are your jobs and what are the positive aspects and challenges in being a Christian in your work?

Sarah: I’ve just returned to being a Nanny and this has made it easier for me.    I am able to talk to the family about my faith and what I do in church, Samuel talks a lot about what he does at church too. 
Edd: I work as a Sales Support Engineer for a luxury home cinema/ audio visual manufacturer. I meet in my job many varied people from all kinds of life. In all I do I try to show my Christian values and I am sure it shows.  I have many contacts through out the world that I have to deal with and they all know I am a Christian.
What are your hopes in your own relationship with God?  For our relationship to continue to grow and deepen and to continue to put our trust in Him.

What are your hopes for our church?  We are really excited about what is going to happen –

We WILL see growth , we WILL see families, Children and other people committing their lives to God.

Finally, have you a favourite Bible verse?  

Edd: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 Sarah: Jeremiah 29:11: “For the plans I have for you, declares the lord Plans to prosper you and not to harm you.”