Faith

Matt Martinson grew up in an unstable family environment. His father abused drink, drugs and his children.

By the age of 13 Matt gave up school and ended up dealing drugs for his father.

He joined the army after being given a choice of that or prison by the police.

The first year of basic training went well but once Matt was sent to his regiment, out in Germany, he returned to drink and drugs.

Every time he ended up in the army cells he would find himself scared and confused, asking for the padre and the Bible.

Talking to God

Then, one day, he found himself in the company of a vicar who Matt knew had something he wanted.

"I knew he knew God."

The vicar sat down next to him and asked God to join them.

"This great big tidal wave of love just came crashing down on top of me. I'd never felt love up until that point. God just said 'I love you'."

Second chance

Within days Matt was homeless, back on the streets, blaming God for everything that had gone wrong in his life.

He set himself on a destructive path and got caught for an armed robbery on a Post Office.

"As soon as I got caught I breathed a sign of relief because it was finally over.

"I was put in a police cell and it was then that I heard Him again, and God said 'Now what?'.

"I thought maybe God does love me and wants what's best for me and that for me was my turning point in life."

Matt Martinson is now training to be a vicar at St John's college in Bramcote.

You can hear more 'Turning Point' stories on BBC Radio Nottingham's Sunday Breakfast Show (6:00 - 10:00).