Woman Alive Spotlight Interview with Susan Ashman
How
long have you been involved in Network?
I
joined Network Christians way back in '99 after seeing the adverts for the
previous 4 years. (Sometimes it takes time to build the courage to join
these things!) Having come to my first event equipped with a well thought out
escape plan, I was surprised how much I relaxed and enjoying meeting the people
there so I carried on coming. I went to new places, met lots of
interesting people from all walks of life, and made some good friends
along the way. Being inspired by the work of David & Gill
Ruffle, the founders of Network I decided to set up a local branch of the
organisation
. When David & Gill decided to retire I offered to step into
their shoes and the rest, as they say, is history.
Has
there been any particular highlights or encouragements you can share?
I’m
especially pleased that most of the friends I made in my early years of Network
have now married Christian partners.
It was also a delight to give
congratulations to seven couples in our latest newsletter.
I’m
also encouraged that more couples that have met through Network Christians want
“to give something back” and continue to help us in our mission. Of course, it’s great to when people come
together, but Network Christians is also there to provide a social network for
those who remain single. So I’m very
pleased when single people tell me what a difference it has made in their
lives.
How
do you think the singles scene has changed over the last 21 years?
There
have been big changes, especially over the last 5 years and this is reflected
in Christian circles too. On the
positive….
·
The Internet has changed the world
and is also enabling thousands of single Christians to make contact with other
Christians that they would otherwise have never met.
·
More people are recognizing the growing population of
single people and the effects that has for the nation and in particular the
church.
·
There is a growing interest among church leaders regarding
the challenges faced by single Christians.
·
More churches are encouraging their single people to
take practical steps in finding a Christian partner and recommending services
like Network Christians.
·
The stigma of singleness is reducing along with the stigma
of “looking for a partner”.
However,
there is no room for complacency as …
·
The majority of single Christian people are likely to feel
misunderstood and undervalued as people.
·
The exodus of men from the church is alarming… particularly
for single women!
·
Most
single Christian people and their Church leaders are simply unaware of the
services available to them.
What
advice would you give to someone who was struggling as a single person?
Ultimately
we all need to feel understood and cared for.
This is particularly so when we are down, so having a support network of
friends who are empathetic can help us to feel a whole heap better.
However,
we also need to take steps to improve the situation that causes us
unhappiness. These could be:
·
Building a supportive
network of friends.
We all need companionship so go out
of your way to nurture friendships that do you good. These might be in your church or in a Ch
ristian Singles Group.
·
Improving your opportunities of making new friends and
meeting a mate. If you are in a rut you
need to do some different things. How
about trying Christian internet dating, joining your local health club, taking
up dancing or going on a Christian Holiday.
For ideas I’d recommend Dr. Henry Cloud’s “How to get a date worth
keeping” as a good read.
·
Caring for
our own physical, spiritual and emotional health. As well as adding activities to your life you
may also need to leave those that overly burden you behind.
·
Taking time
out to draw nearer to God. Grow in an
understanding of yourself and your faith.
“In quietness and trust is your strength” Isaiah 30 v 15.
What
are your hopes for the future of Network Christians?
With
the help of our members we are expanding the range of events we offer -both in
terms of their frequency and the areas they cover. In the future we
also hope to provide resources and training for Church leaders. My hope is that single people will enjoy
our events and be inspired to work with us as we build Networks of single
Christians throughout the UK.
Susan Ashman is the director of Network Christians,
an organisation providing holidays and social events for single Christians in
the UK. For further information please ring 01584
876116, e-mail
info@networkchristians.com
or take a look at
www.networkchristians.com
.