Michel Randrianandrasana

I was born in Antananarivo (Madagascar) and was brought up in a Christian family, attending church regularly, but did not have a personal relationship with God. I did not sing at all during church services, to my mum’s great sadness. I also used to bully my younger brother and made him cry almost every day.

But my life completely changed when I picked up a Bible and read it for the first time at the age of fifteen. I read about Jesus’ teachings and how he lived his life. I was completely blown away by his love for people, which extends to the point of even loving enemies and persecutors. Since then, I couldn’t put my Bible down. God changed my heart and I stopped fighting against my brother. I also started singing at church!

I moved to Selly Park in 2017 and was first invited along to St Stephen’s by Nick Devas after getting to know him through the Globe Cafe where I volunteered. I moved to the area due to its close proximity to Cannon Hill Park while I was working as a Researcher at Aston University. A Lecturer from Aston convinced me to participate in the Cannon Hill ParkRun events.

A memorable time at St Stephens for me was during Christmas 2020, I was meant to spend Christmas with my family in Madagascar but my flight was cancelled due to the pandemic. I thought it would be one of the quietest Christmases I would have experienced but the different expressions of love and care by the Church family turned it into one of the happiest Christmases I have ever had!