how we began
long story short
pastor freddie kono
From a young age, I knew about Jesus but didn’t truly know Him as my Lord and Savior.
I grew up in a Catholic home, where belief in God was a part of life. I attended Mass every Sunday, was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Church, and even served as an altar boy. But despite all of this, I wasn’t living right. My faith was more routine than relationship.
When I went to university in Derby, I completely fell away. Living away from home for the first time, I indulged in everything a young man typically does when there’s no one around to hold him accountable.
One day, a friend invited me to a church gospel concert. During the service, they made an altar call. In that moment, it felt like the entire room cleared out, and it was just me and the speaker. He asked, “Where would you go if you were to die in your sin?” For the first time, I was confronted with the reality of my sin. I’d never heard the gospel so clearly before. When he invited anyone who wanted to receive Jesus to lift their hand, my hand went up without hesitation.
Living for Jesus wasn’t easy at first. I stumbled many times, but I made a decision that no matter what, I would keep going to church. Hearing the Word consistently began to transform me from the inside out. Over time, I got involved in serving, and my faith grew stronger.
After years of growth and discipleship in the Derby church, God began to stir something in my heart—to start a church in Sheffield. After eight years of being discipled, I was ordained in 2013. With my wife Natalie and our daughter Ava, we were sent out to plant a church in Sheffield.
In the more than ten years since, God has been incredibly faithful. We’ve seen miracles, experienced the supernatural, and witnessed countless lives transformed by the power of the gospel.
If Jesus could change my life, He can absolutely change and transform yours too. You’re warmly invited to join us at Sheffield Church—come as you are, and let’s walk this journey of faith together. It would be a blessing to have you!