Growing up on a rural farm in Aghadowey, each day was different and my mum and dad faced many challenges. One day which never changed was Sunday as this was the Lord’s day, the day of rest and my parents faithfully attended Moneydig Presbyterian Church. This is where I was baptised along with my two brothers and each week we went to Sunday school and church. Being bought up in a Christian home I always thought I was a Christian.
Life is never a smooth ride and in my late teens I felt like it couldn’t get any worse as I lost my mum to cancer. My own health wasn’t the best and I was wondering ‘where is God in all of this?’.
But again and again God has blessed me. One such blessing is the people God has placed in my life. My wife Carol and our two amazing daughters Olivia and Sophie, my church family and in particular my friend Jacki. Who God not only placed in Moneydig but also in my workplace for 13 years. Jacki’s friendship and guidance really brought faith to life for me.
In 2015 I suffered an Epileptic seizure whilst on holiday and ended up in intensive care, I felt God was with me in that hospital and this was the start of my mature journey.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble.
Psalm 46, v1
I started mentoring sessions with my minister Stuart shortly after this which allowed me to ask questions and to understand the word of God better. Since then, with God’s guidance, I have been much more involved in Church life and was honoured to be ordained as an elder last year. I work with the Youth Fellowship which I hugely enjoy. As I guide them, I continue to learn and to see how amazing God is. Being more involved with my church brings me joy and none more so than singing in the choir for special services.
Psalm 95
I have worked in the travel industry all of my life; I have had the pleasure of travelling to many countries all over the world but the best and most important journey of my life is the one I am on with my saviour.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God , which transcends all understanding , will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4 v6-7