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Baptisms - September 2007
Hyacinth Hooper's Story...
I was born in Barbados, West Indies. During my early years I attended St John’s Parish Church on Sunday mornings with my parents, who have sadly both died. My dad died in 1972 of prostate cancer, my mum in 1982 of a heart attack. I was confirmed at the age of ten in 1948. I continued my Christian faith until I left Barbados in 1965 for a more privileged life in England. Once I arrived in England I lived in Willesden Green, North London, and attended several churches there before I found one that really made me feel part of the congregation. I moved to Battersea, South West London. My neighbour invited me to St Saviour’s Church on Battersea Park Road. Upon arrival I felt at ease and relaxed. Revd Cannon and the congregation welcomed me to the service. I continued my Christian worship there until I married Joseph at St Saviour’s Church in 1994 and moved to Ipswich. I attended St Matthew’s Church for a short time. I also did some studies with the Jehovah Witnesses. I suppose, because I have a brother and sister who are both Witnesses, I thought I would find what I was searching for there, but I soon realised this was not what I was searching for. I also attended Whitton Baptist Church with my sister on several occasions. Pastor Ward and everyone made me feel very welcome. By this time I was sinking into a deep depression. Most days I did not want to get out of bed. I knew I had to take control of my life before it consumed me completely. I remember reading Mark 11:24 “Therefore I tell you whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you will receive it and it will be yours”. I prayed constantly, and I knew God heard my prayers and he saved me from myself. Without turning to God through prayer for His guidance I would not have come through this. Joseph was attending Sunday morning service here at Burlington and he was very happy. One Sunday I accompanied him to church. As I walked in I felt relaxed and welcomed. After the service Simon met us outside with a big smile and a welcome handshake. I was really happy I came. I became a member of this church in June 2006. We were planning for our baptisms, but after I suffered a sudden heart attack in August last year we had to put it on hold. I realise, most of the time, it is not easy finding what we want, but I personally feel if we put our trust in Jesus He will not let us down, and whatever we ask of Him, He will grant us. We have to keep trusting and believing in him. We would like to thank Simon, Claire, the Church family, the Small Group (Ray & Christine, Fred, Paul, Len, Alan, Joyce, Irene, Pauline, Eulene, Belinda and Betsy) and everyone who prayed for my recovery. Thanks also to my family and friends for their support during my illness, and to my husband for looking after me. Thank you. 
It is with utmost sincerity that I present these words as a living testament of my life as a Christian.
Joseph Hooper's Story...
They taught us about God and the Bible. We attended a Pentecostal church in Barbados. I came to England in 1960 and continued attending church as often as I could. In those days we had to work most weekends. I attended St Margaret’s Church. During this time I met my first wife Marjorie. We got married at St Margaret’s Church in 1962 and continued attending church there because we loved it. Then our vicar retired and things changed, so we left and went to a Pentecostal Church in Stoke Street. We were both happy there. Then my wife took ill and died in 1983 of kidney failure. After my wife died I went to Elim Pentecostal Church. I could not settle there. I felt restless. Then I met Hyacinth through family and friends. She was living in London and attending St Saviour’s Church on Battersea Park Road. We got married in 1994 and she moved to Ipswich. We both attended St Matthew’s Church, but we did not find what we were searching for there. We left there and I came to Burlington. Hyacinth started studying with the Jehovah Witnesses. When I came to Burlington Martyn Travers was the minister here, with Simon as his assistant. I really enjoyed attending church here. When Simon took over I received an invitation from him to attend the Membership Course. I became a member in February 2004 and the members welcomed me. We both enjoyed attending the service here as everyone is so friendly. Hyacinth was not enjoying studying with the Jehovah Witnesses, and on my return from church would ask, “What was the service like? Were the people nice and friendly? Do you feel relaxed there?” So I told her she must come to church with me and see for herself. Hyacinth soon followed me to Burlington. She saw for herself how nice and welcoming everyone was. We both said this is what we were searching for - a church where we felt at ease and welcomed by all. We kept putting our baptisms off. We know it is not a decision to be taken lightly. After her sudden heart attack last year we both thought it was a wake up call. She was so ill. I really thought I had lost her, but I know God gave her a second chance for a reason. I realise how wonderful God is and all He has done for us. He has given us so much, and I want to honour Him because He is our personal Saviour, and if I continue to trust and believe in Him I know He won’t let us down. 
My name is Joseph. I was born in Barbados, West Indies. I was brought up in a loving Christian home. My brother, sister and I went to church every Sunday morning with my mother and grandmother.