I had never believed in God, or seen any need to do so. I was 46 years old, an engineer, scientist, pragmatist and card carrying sceptic. After all, science had all the answers. Origin of the universe? The big bang theory of course. Where did we come from? Well obviously evolution.

Then one day, and quite out of the blue, I woke up with this strong feeling that well actually, God does exist, and he is trying to tell me something. This needed some scientific rationalisation. Had I read anything influential recently? No. Seen anything on t.v ? Not that I could remember. Been subject to subliminal messages? I did not think so. This must be some kind of mental ‘glitch’ that hopefully will go away. After all, I had all the answers, science not God! I knew that the universe was created by a sub-atomic particle spontaneously popping into existence from nothing then exploding with enough force to create all the matter and energy in the universe. (Hold on a second, that was the basis of my scientific understanding?!!)

Being sceptical I needed to look at the evidence of just who God might be, because there are many religions and belief systems, and only one can be right. Start with the big ones then. Judaism, Christianity and Islam. I did not really consider any others as there was no way I was going to worship a crocodile, an elephant or a celestial body! I very interesting fact came to light. Most of the big ones are based on, or at least recognise the bible scriptures.

About this time I came across a book called ‘The Message’ by Eugene Peterson. This is a very new bible translation, written in contemporary language. I read this, and was impressed by what a complete, rounded work the bible is. The full story from the creation of everything to eternal life. And it fits the historical and fossil records better then the theory of evolution does. (It even has dinosaurs if you know where to look!)

One or two personal experiences later, and the fact that the bible gives such a complete account of itself convinced me that Christianity was the way forward. Some further research and I had an idea of the sinful nature of man, and a sense of my own personal and collective sinfulness. I also had started to get a grasp on the ultimate sacrifice Jesus paid for all of us by shedding his blood on the cross, and the fact that his sacrifice is our only path to salvation. More meditation and prayer then. This time to acknowledge my sinfulness, to ask for forgiveness and ask Jesus into my life to guide me from now on.

More research, and I don’t much like religion. Much of the religious stuff I looked at did not seem to have much to do with God. So do I need to go to church at all? Well, the New Testament says I do. Drat. Which one then? Hold on a minute, I’m missing a major point here. Jesus appointed disciples to go out and establish his own church on earth. But that was 2000 years ago. So where is Jesus’ own church now?

About this time, I discover that the 1611 King James bible is the most accurate translation we have, so a church that holds true to that must be a good starting point. Time for a big internet search and eventually I happened on the Falmouth Evangelical Church. The web site has a list of what the pastor and elders believe, and it is very close to the views I had developed for myself.

Now for the most scary bit. To voluntarily go into a church on my own accord, for the first time in my life. Peter was taking the service that morning, and started to talk about God’s grace and the gift of salvation. At one point the said “What brings you into the church this morning, when everyone else is out and about, shopping, playing sports or watching tv?”. Well, at these words I almost fell off my chair. Especially as he seemed to be staring directly at me at the time!

The whole church experience was not scary at all. I was made to feel most welcome (special thanks to Jean and Carole who took me under their wings on that occasion). But the thing that impressed me most was the lack of trappings and ritual, not even a cross! Just honest prayer and worship, and sound biblical teaching.

I have attended regularly since, and have had several baptismal lessons with Mike (thanks for your time and efforts Mike). I am re-reading the bible using the authorised edition this time, and ‘Your Daily walk’ as a study guide. I must also thank Mike and Jackie Lynch whom I regard as friends and mentors, and the providers of the most wonderful lemon meringue pie this side of the Tamar!

So where am I today? About to undergo a full baptism! 2 years ago I would have laughed out loud if someone had that I would be here doing this today.

Wow! what an adventure, and what wonderful times lie ahead.