Our Stories...

Anna Keller

Place of Salvation: Carmel, Bristol
Date of Salvation: 00/07/2002

My Story

Before I commited my life to God, I was on the merry-go-round of broken relationships; including marriage, as I was searching for people to fill the gap of insecurity in my life.

Three years ago, I had had enough of crying, being intimidated and feeling lonely. In desperation I reached out to God; the person who my parents had told me about when I was young. I asked Him to fill the gap in my life.

On returning to Bristol from London, I sensed in my heart that I needed to go and apologise to Pastor Gerri (the pastor of carmel Centre, Bristol)for ingoring his advice 18 months before, concerning his hesitancy of me persuing a relationship. I thought he wanted to control my life and I did not understand about the spiritual covering of a Pastor, when he is appointed by God.

I experienced a great warmth, comfort and a heavy burden being lifted, as I asked for forgiveness. It also felt like muffles had been removed from around my ears and I heard God speak to me for the first time. Very clearly He prompted me to make plans to move to Bristol and attend Bible College. It was part of His plan for my life.

Crying once again, this time from immense joy in my heart, I spoke to my parents of the practicalities of making the move.

Nothing is ever wasted from our past, as I was able to get work almost immediately in the area of my expertise, and all during the hours outside Bible College. I was given a car and a lap top, so that I would be able to carry on my self employment. I resigned from a rental contract, which was meant for 6 months, but the landlords allowed me to leave early.

When God has a plan, He has already sorted out the details, if we are prepared to listen!

Three years down the line, I have been taught life skills, from the Word of God, that will enable me to face all that the world throws at me; turning a full 180 degrees from a selfish life to a life full of serving others and bringing the goodness of God to their 'front door'.

I now know peace, where there was turmoil and only short term pleasures -why did they never last? They never filled the gap in my heart.

The restoration work; chipping away the hardness in my heart and giving me a heart of flesh, now reaches out with compassion for others and to see that they are also made whole.

I am now part of the Leadership team at carmel, heading up the Impressions and Flavour departments; which both enhance the hospitality and creativity of events held at the church.

God gave me a word 3 years ago,

'I will restore the years the locusts have stolen' (Joel 2 v 25) and He is looking over His word to perform it. Bible School was the first step of obedience for Him to restore things in my life. This September the next season of blessing starts in my life, as I am to be married on September the 9th, 2006, at Carmel.

My hearts desire is to be a Proverbs 31 woman, a virtuous woman; and I know that with all the life skills that have been imparted to me, I am prepared with the knowledge which I need for this desire to be met. It is time to start walking out the truth in my life. It has set me free (John 8 v 32) It will set you free too!