Manor Park Evangelical Church|Serving Christ and the Community in St. John's

My childhood was generally a happy time, but as I began studying for my GCSE exams I became more and more of a perfectionist with academic success as my idol. My desire to do well at school was what I lived for. I went to church religiously every Sunday but it made no difference to my life during the week. God was just another hobby. I put unfair demands on myself; nothing was good enough, irrespective of the stress I put myself through.

Things changed drastically when God found me during a family holiday to Florida in 2000. God chose a moment in an American church service to reveal that Jesus died for 'ME' on the cross. It was apparent immediately that if this was the case it was hypocrisy to be a 'Sunday only Christian'. He deserved my whole life, not just Sunday mornings. At that moment I was filled with a deep peace and I made a public commitment to put Jesus first in my life from that day on.

Since then I have been filled with a new purpose and peace in my heart. But life as a Christian has not been all plain sailing. At University I struggled with the drinking culture, and how to share the Good News of Jesus with my friends without being dragged down into old habits that were not God's will.

I now have a loving church family and trust God's leading in my life through prayer, the Bible and encouragement from Christian friends.

I have not slotted into a well defined career since leaving university as I had expected to. I am aware of the danger of returning to the idolatry of success driven thinking and the striving to get ahead. I have been saved from that life and know any reward in this life is fleeting and that a heaven centred mindset will lead to lasting joy in my heart and a less selfish life. I know that it is not a job title that defines who I am, but my relationship with God. He thought me so valuable that he sent his only Son to die for me despite all my flaws. I know God forgives my sins and that he will give me strength to overcome future temptations. He will help me despite an uncertain job market and His path is the right path, which will ultimately build my character to be more Christ like.

After three years of praying that I would meet the woman I was to marry, God has given me a lovely wife, Laura. He is more than able to provide our every need. He has never let us down even though money has been tight at times and He's always answered prayers when we've needed work or even a place to live!

Ultimately, I will now spend eternity with God in heaven, because Jesus paid the price for my sins by taking the punishment in my place. Praise be to God.

David trained as a geologist and is married to Laura

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