Witness statement: Ultreya 24 January 2026

Tomorrow I am speaking in church to the reading from Acts which describes Saul’s journey to Damascus, the events which take place and Saul’s conversion to faith in Jesus Christ.

It caused me to think on different paths to faith which are described in the bible.

One of the criminals crucified alongside Jesus took a very short path from suffering to faith when he asked Jesus to remember him in heaven. Some people hear mere words when the Good News is spoken, but Lydia heard the voice of God speaking directly to her through the preaching of Saul. Nicodemus needed to understand what he was hearing and seeing. Nicodemus sought out further explanation before he stepped into the light and honoured the body of Jesus Christ. Saul himself needed a sharp message and then a guiding hand from Ananais into the truth that is Jesus Christ.

I have reflected upon my own journey to faith, a journey which involves several of the paths mentioned above.

My journey of discovery started like many as a teenager attending church services with my family. I heard the gospel stories and appreciated the possibility that a God existed but didn’t develop a particular understanding of relevance to my life’s journey. I did nevertheless take the precaution of going to church ahead of my university finals and put my generous donation of £10 into the collection plate. So started a long career in risk management.

It was the Alpha course run within our parish that explained clearly who Jesus is, why he came to earth and what consequence it has for me. That opened my understanding to the relevance of the Gospel reading. I started to appreciate the emotional context within which someone would willingly give their life for another.

Having a wife and children enhanced appreciation of strong emotional bonds, but also of the mutual commitment involved from inviting someone else into one’s life. It took me many months to become comfortable with inviting deity into this my life, but I remember doing so and feeling a calmness that I didn’t have before. A calmness that pervaded through me last week in church when Be Still My Soul was sung by the congregation (and which you have kindly sung for me just now).

But as we may appreciate, faith is not the final destination but just the start of an assured relationship with God.

Confidence in my faith increased through staffing on Alpha and on Cursillo. Sharing and having my belief questioned was a reinforcing process, opening me to complementary interpretations and a broader understanding of God’s words. And also of course shared enthusiasm from other Christians leading prayer, study or action, particularly those on Cursillo.

I am privileged and blessed be a follower of Jesus Christ, and he is welcome in my life.

Before I finish, may I share with you two particularly memorable experiences along my journey of faith.

Firstly, whilst working in London, I was heading to an evening seminar in Canary Wharf. At the top of the escalator was a scribbled note pointing right towards the presentation on bank capital requirements that I had planned to attend. Next to it pointing left was a large and coloured poster from the Barclays Christian Union asking in bold text ‘Has Jesus Christ risen’? I found myself turning left and, after enjoying a fascinating presentation by barristers, was happy to commit to a Reader training course.

My second communication occurred after a period during which I was concerned whether my limited contribution to the activities of my local church was sufficient. I had not raised this question with anyone, but it was preying on my thoughts. One Sunday evening I warily attended a visiting group of committed Christians who invite the Holy Spirit into their evening worship. When they came to pray for me, one spoke in tongues and one whispered a single sentence of translation into my ear. ‘God is happy with the little things that you are doing’.

That affirmation remains with me to this day.

Its not just Saul who experiences memorable and unexpected interventions from God. I look forward to sharing yours at our future gatherings.

Thank you for listening.