Today on Changing, we’re joined by Alan and Christiane Hawkshaw, who talk about how they began their relationship with Christ and what that looks like today.
Alan is a professional musician who toured all over the world, meeting Chris while in Germany. Self-described as “love at first sight,” Alan and Chris met one fateful date in a department store when Chris sold Alan a cheap coffee grinder. This led to a 53-year marriage still going strong today.
How did they start a relationship with God?
- Neither Chris nor Alan grew up in church. But one day, two missionaries came by their house and intrigued Chris when they mentioned a family could be together forever. After a lengthy conversation, the two missionaries challenged Chris to stop drinking; a challenge honored to this day. Her favorite scripture soon became Alma 32:27, which she lovingly interprets to mean “get up and do something with your life.”
- Shortly after, she joined the church. It only took two years for Chris to become baptized, but it took Alan many years to develop a similar relationship.
Why was Alan reluctant to create a relationship with God?
- He didn’t want to interact with the people. He had a negative perception of church-goers and felt he couldn’t trust them. However, after interacting with them through Chris, he slowly realized they were genuine people.
- He also realized that there were truths in scripture he was hesitant to admit. But, after the untimely loss of his close friend, he decided he needed to have faith and create positivity in his life.
- It dawned on him that Jesus was the answer to a lot of his problems associated with his old life. The church’s teachings began to make more sense to him, and he felt Jesus become a companion rather than a figure.
What advice do they have for people?
- Family is forever. Chris knows that whatever happens, she’ll be together with her family again. Whatever goes wrong in life, Jesus forgives her for her mistakes.
- Alan knows firsthand that you can’t be expected to convert overnight. Don’t try and believe everything at once. Just start doing good things, and your life will begin to mean something.
Want to get in touch with Alan and Chris? Email Christiane at chawkshaw1@me.com and Alan at bigal3001@ymail.com.
