Three questions put to one person … On the spot: Sarah Bendell
1. Are there three things that you’re particularly enjoying about life at the moment?
Nathan and I have a gorgeous three-year old dog called Millie and I have been really enjoying taking her down the beach for walks. Not only is it so beautiful and peaceful, but Millie loves the sand! She gets very excited and loves running around chasing other dogs and her ball. Beach walks are definitely our favourite.
I am really close to my family and I enjoy spending time with them. Particularly recently, life has been hard. My lovely Nana passed away suddenly and so it has been a time of loss and sadness for us. We all miss her so much, but we also feel peace and joy in knowing that she is home with her Lord and Saviour. My Nana and Grandpa lived their lives fully for God and have been a big influence on my own walk with God. I know that right now they are completely full and overflowing in God’s presence with his love, joy, and peace, and that fills me with encouragement to run this race, live for him, and seek the heavenly prize Paul talks about: ‘Set your heart on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.’ (Colossians 3 verse1)
I am also enjoying spending time with my three nephews: Joshua (4), Jacob (4), and Joel (2). Despite having no toys at my house, they love coming round and always want to play hide and seek as well as dance in the lounge to music.
2. Describe two significant events in your life.
Becoming a Christian. I remember very vividly when I was seven years old deciding with my twin sister to become a Christian. We pushed the ends of our twin beds together and sat in the gap between them and prayed together, asking Jesus to forgive us and come into our hearts. We then told our parents, who also prayed with us. Obviously I was still very young at that point and I do remember many times after that praying the same thing again, just to make sure it had worked! It was a few years later at Spring Harvest, when I realised that I didn’t need to keep saying the prayer and I believed that I had been saved.
Going on the mission trip to Uganda with the youth from St Saviour’s. Prior to going to Uganda, I was aware of mission, but didn’t have a passion for it myself or even see how it could be something that I could be involved in. I was excited to go but didn’t realise the impact it would have on me. Seeing people who live in great poverty but who are so rich in their love for the Lord was incredibly challenging and inspiring. It made me look at my own life and realise that I don’t live to glorify God every day. I get distracted and seek fulfilment in material things rather than God’s love. I used to love going shopping and would buy new clothes to make me feel good but now I realise how fortunate I am with what I have and although I enjoy the occasional shopping trip, I know my fulfilment comes from God. I am also working on spending time more time with God each day, although this is not always easy.
3. Is there a Bible passage you find particularly inspiring?
I have been reading the Old Testament and Deuteronomy 4 really struck me. ‘Now search all of history, from the time God created people on the earth until now, and search from the end of the heavens to the other. Has anyone as great as this ever been seen or heard before? … So remember this and keep it firmly in mind: The Lord is God both in heaven and on the earth, and there is no other.’ (Deuteronomy 4 verses 32, 39 NLT)
Sarah Bendell
