I was born into a Christian family….my paternal grandfather was a Methodist minister. My parents, after getting married, moved to Beenleigh in 1946, where they became active members of the Methodist Church here at Beenleigh. Consequently, the Christian faith was an integral part of my early life. As a young child, I accepted the fact that there was a God.
A small hiccup occurred, however, when I started high school in 1965. I discovered an affinity for SCIENCE. I was fascinated and challenged in my endeavour to understand the " how’s and the why’s" of the universe. Upon being introduced to the "Theory of Evolution", I, as an enthusiastic SCIENCE student, knew that this had to be correct. (The Human species developed from a random interaction of chemicals that produced a basic form of life which eventually evolved into MAN.) My last real memories of my father is the continuous debates we had over this topic, as he died a year later.
Life continued, I was actively involved in the life of the BRUC, became a confirmed member of the church, as well as continuing my love of science, eventually doing a Science degree at UQ. God helped me to discovered that Christian faith and science are not polar opposites as most people think. Science works by the system that if you can't disprove a statement then it must be true. ….Nothing is 'fact'., and our understanding of our physical world is both developing and altering continually.
My belief in the existence of God continued. I know there is a God…. just look at the beauty of our world, God’s creation. This, the complexity and the intricacies of the universe proves for me, the existence of God.
However, over the years, I became a very lack lustre Christian. While still attending church, wherever I was transferred to, I pondered what I was meant to do with my life. After returning to Beenleigh again, I again joined my Mother in attending BRUC. I also joined a faith life group, and in the comfort of a small group had some very interesting discussions.... And yet I was still comfortable with believing in God without really comprehending his love.
Today, in all honesty, I know, from looking around at the universe that God created (how can one not be in awe of its beauty and complexity), I know God to be almighty, generous, and loving. "The heavens declare the glory of God; the sky above proclaims his handiwork." (Psalm 19:1): and I have come to the realisation that by the studying of the bible, I can not just believe in God but know him, and I have uncovered my mission, (as it is for all Christians) which is to continue Christ's work in the world by preaching the gospel in both word and deed.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, - 1 Peter 1:3