I first started attending Emmanuel in April 1999. At that time I lived in Cardiff having studied there for a degree in Maths and then a Teacher – Training Course. My seemingly ‘random’ choice of heading to Cardiff (having been brought up in Telford, Shropshire) led me to make friends with a number of committed Christians in the student hall where I lived.
Over a period of time the Lord used these friendships, along with the preaching of His word at the church I attended and the work of the Christian Union, to draw me to himself. I am so grateful to those friends who faithfully witnessed to me and the opportunity during those student years to be taught so faithfully from His word, the Bible.
Moving to Newport was a result of seeking to settle in a church smaller than the one I attended where I could more easily get involved in the life of the church. The warmth of the welcome and faithful preaching of God’s word enjoyed on my first visit to Emmanuel was enough to convince me that was where God wanted me to settle (I never got as far as visiting other churches in Newport as was my intention!).
Later in 1999 I started working at the Offi ce for National Statistics (15 years later I’m still there!). I have to say it’s not what I thought I’d end up doing, but there are lots of good things about working there (alongside the inevitable challenges of working life). I currently work on a survey that collects data about how much people spend, from bread to package holidays and much more. The information is used to feed into measures of economic growth in the UK.
My parents live in West Yorkshire, and my brother and his family in North Lincolnshire, so I don’t get to see them as often as I would like. But we enjoy family holidays together each year. I’m writing this from a wet and windy Bamburgh.
Within the church I help out at Rock Junior. So although I didn’t pursue a career in teaching it’s been great to be able to use the experience gained in other ways. It’s such a privilege to be able to share the gospel with young people week to week. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with friends, walking, swimming, playing badminton (and slowly improving my technique!) and reading.
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