Interviews with Christian scientists

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset UK

Margaret's Story: I used to go to church as a child and in my mid twenties I even led Sunday school, but then I dropped out of church for a number of years. When I was 46 I went away on a healing retreat and there I learnt that there was a difference between going to church and knowing God personally. I knew he was real because he took away all the hurts of the past and no-one else and nothing else could have done that. Since that time I have not had to carry around all the worries of the past and now feel a different person.

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset UK

Michelle's Story: I grew up being told that God was a fairytale made-up to give answers to superstitious people who felt a need for an emotional and psychological crutch. I didn't hear anybody oppose this "modern" view until I went to university when I was 18. There I met my first Christians, and these weren't just church goers! They were people who talked out loud and without embarrassment about Jesus and the Bible, but in every other way seemed quite normal and well adjusted. Imagine! Intelligent people in this day and age still believing in a God! My curiosity aroused, I decided to attend a meeting that was being advertised on campus entitled "Sceptics Anonymous". I thought it was going to be a debate in a crowded lecture theatre where I could hide in the back row, but it turned out to be me, four other students and the university chaplain in a cosy room. Five months and many questions later that chaplain led me in an awkward, mumbled prayer in which I said sorry to God for the things I've done wrong and asked Jesus into my life, unsure if it would make any difference but knowing this was the only way to find out. That was in February 1993. I can confirm inviting Jesus into your life does make a big difference!

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset UK

So I went to this baptism and as the worship started it all felt a bit strange because this was a modern church and my vision of church at the time was old fashioned traditional, pews and church organ church. But this was different. This was a lively all dancing, all singing church with a band not an organ. As the worship went on, I somehow (don’t know how) joined in with the worship and closed my eyes. After a while, in my mind, I had a picture of Jesus and I heard a voice in my head saying ‘Come, follow me’. I just dismissed the picture and the voice as I thought it was just my mind playing tricks on me. When the worship was over, the sermon started and during the sermon, I heard those same three words again ‘Come, follow me’. After the sermon, the church pastor said ‘If anyone wants to become a Christian, then come to the front’. So I quickly prayed my first prayer asking if these words and visions were really from God. Shortly after I prayed, I heard that same voice and saw that same vision of Jesus as before. The voice said ‘Yes Come, follow me’. So I went forward, got prayed for and became a Christian. That was 9 years ago and I’m still a Christian today. It hasn’t always been an easy 9 years but I know that God has been there for me and has helped me through both the good and bad times.

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset UK

Mark's Story: Before I became a Christian, I was just a normal teenager into girls, sex, etc. I had no contact with any Christians and didn’t really think much about life and God. However, when I attended college, there was this Christian in my class who I got very friendly with. Halfway through the college year, his girlfriend was getting baptised. He invited me to her baptism and I said yes just to keep him happy and I suppose I was a bit curious about God and Church at the time but always put it at the back of my mind and denied it.

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset UK

Sylvia's Story: I was a church-going Anglican for many years; I was also a heavy smoker. Because of this I went to a therapist, to get help giving up. He asked what my interest were and I mentioned that my church activites were important to me. He told me he was a Christian and asked if I knew Jesus. I said, yes, I know He is the Son of God, but he persisted in asking did I KNOW Him, and I knew I didn't, not in the way my therapist was describing. He asked me if I wanted to really know Jesus; I replied "yes", and my journey of discovery began. A few weeks later I was baptised in the Holy Spirit. A few weeks further on, and although I had cut down on smoking I had not given up - and then God healed me: he took away all craving and desire for cigerettes and I didn't suffer any withdrawl symptoms. I never smoked again - when God does something it is completely dealt with. I was 58 years old when I came into a living relationship with the Lord. You are never too old!

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset UK

Time went on and I didn't go to church too often, but one day I heard a voice (no I wasn't going nuts) say to me very softly as I was working “Roger I died for you”, and I understood what I had heard about Easter: I understood that Jesus died on a cross for my sin, and that He wanted me to hand all those sins, the bad things I had done, over to Him, so that I could be forgiven. I had heard that to become a 'Christian' one had to pray in a certain way, but me being me, I just said “If you want me, take me!” And God did and my whole life was changed. If you want to know the rest of the story, come to the church and ask for me!

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset UK

Then I was 'persuaded' to attend one of these services. I was not planning to take part in any of it, but in the audience (or congregation) was a young lady whose face was sort of shining as the Pastor (like a vicar or priest) was speaking about Jesus. I had a good job with good money, my own home, a wife, and three kids - what more could I want? Still, something was missing: I didn't have what that lady had! So I thought I would give this church 'thing' a try.

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset UK

Our eldest son was in the Boys Brigade and they would often have church parades where they would march around the streets with a band and banners, and end up in the Baptist church. My wife used to go to support our son, but I would do something on the car or go to the pub...

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset UK

Roger's Story: Its funny really, as I thought I was pretty good. Of course I had messed about a bit as all young guys did and still do, but I worked hard to keep my family, in fact sometimes I worked every day of the week. Most nights were spent in the pub, while my wife stayed at home looking after the kids, after all I worked hard, so I was entitled to relax with my mates.

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset UK

Email us with any questions, comments or news! If you wish to send an attachment please use your own email account and send to rpcbournemouth@googlemail.com We look forward to hearing from you!

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset UK

Richmond Park Church
Palmerston Road
Boscombe
Bournemouth
UK
BH1 4HP

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset UK

If you get off at Bournemouth Rail Station, Yellow Buses 28a and 28b go to Boscombe Bus Station. Walk around the back of the multi-storey carpark and Sovereign Shopping Centre, to the left, along Centenary Way, cross at pedestrian lights, turn to the left, head towards petrol station across the road, turn right into Palmerston Road. Richmond Park Church is on the corner at the end of Palmerston Road.

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset UK

The nearest rail station is Pokesdown Station. Cross at pedestrian lights to bus stop outside pub. All buses that pass this stop will take you to Boscombe Bus Station.

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset UK

From Lymington / New Milton / Highcliffe Wilts & Dorset "red" buses 121, 122, 123, or 124 - get off at Boscombe Bus Station. Walk around the back of the multi-storey carpark and Sovereign Shopping Centre, to the left, along Centenary Way, cross at pedestrian lights, turn to the left, head towards petrol station across the road, turn right into Palmerston Road. Richmond Park Church is on the corner at the end of Palmerston Road.

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset UK

From Christchurch, Yellow Buses 1a, 1b, or 1c or Wilts & Dorset buses "More" m2 or "red" 121, 122, 123 or 124 - get off at Boscombe Bus Station. Walk around the back of the multi-storey carpark and Sovereign Shopping Centre, to the left, along Centenary Way, cross at pedestrian lights, turn to the left, head towards petrol station across the road, turn right into Palmerston Road. Richmond Park Church is on the corner at the end of Palmerston Road.
richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset UK

From Poole / Parkstone / Branksome / Westbourne get Wilts & Dorset "red" bus limited stop service X3, "More" bus m2, or Yellow Buses 1b, or 1c - get off at stop opposite McDonalds in Boscombe. Carry straight on from bus stop opposite McDonalds, down Palmerston Road, past the petrol station, and past a carpark - Richmond Park Church is on the corner at the end of Palmerston Road.
richmondparkchurch.org.uk

From Bournemouth University / Wallisdown get Yellow Buses 6a, 6b, or 6c as far as Lansdowne then change to Wilts & Dorset "More" bus m2, or "red" buses X3, 121, 122, 123, or 124 or Yellow Buses 1a,1b, or 1c - get off at stop opposite McDonalds in Boscombe.
richmondparkchurch.org.uk

From Bournemouth University / Wallisdown get Yellow Buses 6a, 6b, or 6c as far as Lansdowne then change to Wilts & Dorset "More" bus m2, or "red" buses X3, 121, 122, 123, or 124 or Yellow Buses 1a,1b, or 1c - get off at stop opposite McDonalds in Boscombe.
richmondparkchurch.org.uk

From Bournemouth University / Wallisdown get Yellow Buses 6a, 6b, or 6c as far as Lansdowne then change to Wilts & Dorset "More" bus m2, or "red" buses X3, 121, 122, 123, or 124 or Yellow Buses 1a,1b, or 1c - get off at stop opposite McDonalds in Boscombe.
richmondparkchurch.org.uk

From Winton get Yellow buses 4a, 4b, 5a or 5b from anywhere along Wimborne Road (in the direction of Bournemouth) as far as Lansdowne then change to Wilts & Dorset "More" bus m2, or "red" buses X3, 121, 122, 123, or 124 or Yellow Buses 1a,1b, or 1c - get off at stop opposite McDonalds in Boscombe.
richmondparkchurch.org.uk

From Charminster get Wilts & Dorset "More" bus m1 or Yellow Buses 5a or 5b from anywhere along Charminster Road (in the direction of Bournemouth), as far as Lansdowne then change to "More" bus m2, or "red" buses X3, 121, 122, 123, or 124 or Yellow Buses 1a,1b, or 1c - get off at stop opposite McDonalds in Boscombe.
richmondparkchurch.org.uk

From Bournemouth Square / Lansdowne get Wilts & Dorset "More" bus m2 and "red" buses X3, 121, 122, 123, or 124 or Yellow Buses 1a, 1b, or 1c - get off at stop opposite McDonalds in Boscombe.
richmondparkchurch.org.uk

If coming into Boscombe on the A35 from Christchurch/Lyndhurst/Southampton direction, as you are sent to the right to by-pass the pedestrian area, go left at the first roundabout and right at the second roundabout. This takes you into Palmerston Road. Parking instructions as above.
richmondparkchurch.org.uk

If you are coming into Bournemouth from the Poole direction, stay on the A35, following signs to Boscombe. Stay on the Christchurch Road into Boscombe and when you are taken to the left round the corner by McDonalds (to by-pass the pedestrian area) go straight on at the roundabout into Palmerston Road. Parking instructions as above.
richmondparkchurch.org.uk

If you are approaching Bournemouth on the A338 from Salisbury/Ringwood/Southampton direction, come off at the slip road directed to "Football - Kings Park" and take the last exit off the mini roundabout. Continue up to the traffic lights. Turn left down Ashley Road, follow to end and turn right at roundabout, and right at next roundabout. This takes you into Palmerston Road. There is a "pay and display" carpark on the left, shortly past the petrol station. Alternatively, you may find unrestricted street parking in St Clements Road (to the left at the end of Palmerston Road). Richmond Park Church is at the end of Palmerston Road on the corner.
richmondparkchurch.org.uk

Our full address is:

Richmond Park Church, Palmerston Road, Boscombe,

Bournemouth BH1 4HP.
richmondparkchurch.org.uk

Richmond Park Church is in Boscombe, at the far end of Palmerston Road, on the corner with St Clements Road and opposite the footbridge over the railway line from Grove Road / South Road. It is a five minute walk from McDonalds.
richmondparkchurch.org.uk

For those of you who want to learn more about the Bible, God, or get praying, there is a Ladies Meeting at Hae Sook's home on Monday mornings, and the church breaks up into four smaller groups and meets in people's lounges on Tuesday evenings for what we call our "Care Groups".
richmondparkchurch.org.uk

As Bournemouth is a centre for language schools, Richmond Park Church opens up every other Thursday evening to feed students who are in the UK to learn English; we put on a meal and a short "fun" English lesson, and students from all sorts of different countries get to meet and make friends.
richmondparkchurch.org.uk

There's also the "Good News" after schools club for 7 to 11 year olds on Friday afternoons, 3.45 to 5.30pm.
richmondparkchurch.org.uk

Richmond Park Church also provides a Parents & Toddlers session with lots of fun toys and enough supervision to allow the parents/guardians to relax and have a chat over a coffee while the little'uns play - thats term time on Tuesday mornings 9.30-11.30am.
richmondparkchurch.org.uk