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David and Thomas Sheringham 64

From Denmark and Dorset to a church in Sheringham

2018: Two young Christians are halfway through a discipleship year at Lighthouse Community Church in Sheringham as they seek God’s direction for their lives. Tony Rothe reports.

 
David Seaward from Sherborne in Dorset, pictured left, and Thomas Herd from Denmark, right, are both taking part in the DNA Christian discipleship course, which prayerfully places students in an appropriate church to enable them to serve for a year whilst pursuing their studies, and hopefully get closer to God.
 
“I was seeking happiness, like any young person, but realised I was drifting away from God” explained Thomas. “I needed to do something about that – something substantial. A DNA team was visiting Denmark, and I signed up… just three weeks before the course started!
 
“For me, the course offers self-improvement, leadership skills, and knowing God in a different way – getting closer to Him – building a stronger relationship. It has been an opportunity to learn some new skills and to improve the old ones.”
 
These are sentiments echoed by David – “I knew I needed a year out or gap year. I was impressed with what was offered by DNA when I visited their open day, so I signed up. I have found the course to be an excellent blend of the theoretical/spiritual as well as practical skills.
 
“And being placed in Sheringham has had the added bonus of being close to the brilliant North Norfolk steam railway!” added heritage traction enthusiast David, who is also actively involved with Eastleigh Lakeside steam railway.
 
The boys were also impressed with Lighthouse Community Church – “Wow – That’s the church building?” was David's response when he first arrived, as a few pre-conceptions of church were shattered! “The place seems to be alive, not stagnant. I feel that’s how church should be!”
Thomas agrees “Lighthouse definitely seems to be part of the local community – Serving the people and showing God’s love to that community without preaching at them.”
 
Both Thomas and David have become fully involved in the life of the church while they have been there – serving in Lighthouse Café one day a week as well as youth and children’s work at local schools and at the church itself. Thomas has also played drums with the worship team and helped with the church football teams. David has joined the technical team to work with the PA and media equipment. Both of them took an active role in the recent BeachLife activity day organised by Sheringham churches.
 
And they are relying on God to guide them as they plan for life after Lighthouse. “I intend to return to Denmark, hopefully Copenhagen, and would like to pursue a career following my main interests of graphic design, photography or music – that is unless God has other plans!”
 
David is keeping his options open – “A second year of DNA is a possibility, but I’m really leaving it up to God at the moment – seeking confirmation from Him.”
 
Ian Savory, from the Lighthouse leadership team said “David and Thomas are a real asset and inspiration to us all at Lighthouse – we shall be sorry to see them leave in the summer, but we are sure God has great plans for them.”
 
To find out more about the DNA course, visit: https://dna-uk.org/
To read what others say about DNA, including Alice, who completed a DNA course at Lighthouse, visit Baptist Times.



TonyRothe150Do you have a news story or forthcoming event relating to Christians or a church in North Norfolk?  

If so, e-mail tony.rothe@networknorwich.co.uk with details and, if possible a suitable picture. 


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