Some of our beginnings in life are beyond our control, but they are so important. My first few years of life were spent in a land where God was bringing the people into a new way of life. The first missionaries to the Mizo people had arrived forty years before my Dad and Mum came to be a part of the work. The Mizos had been animists and headhunters – fierce, yet full of fear. Today they are a Christian state in North East India.

 Back home in Rhos, Runcorn and Liverpool, Christian love and values were the feature of my family life. As a young teenager, I found myself one day on the edge of an 'open air' where a booklet, The Way of Salvation, was offered to those interested. Looking through the booklet I learned of my need of a Saviour, through many tears, and invited Jesus into my life.

This first step into a personal relationship with God, through Jesus Christ, had been taken. Looking back now I can see that my life could have been so different had I told my Dad about it. He would have helped me and encouraged me to take more steps along the Christian path through life.

Many years later my wife Mair and I were invited by Deaconess Linda Mary Evans of St. James', Rhosddu, to follow a course entitled 'New Life in the Spirit'. We looked at the basis for Christian faith, learning about the Person and work of the Holy Spirit - just as the Alpha Course does. When

Unlike the first step I had taken as a lad, I now kept close to others who had experienced a similar 'new beginning'. Life took on a new dimension as we discovered more and more of the reality of God's love for us. I have been amazed and thrilled many times to discover that God loves to answer prayer. Sometimes the answer has come almost instantly and wonderfully. Other prayers have taken longer to be answered and can only be seen as I have looked back.

Another new beginning was the Alpha Course, establishing my understanding of my faith. The Holy Spirit Day was very special, bringing me closer to God and being filled to overflowing with such joy and peace. Helping to lead other Alpha courses was one way of moving on - sharing with others what I had learned.

My prayer is that, as you read this story of my life and experience with God, you will be encouraged to seek new steps of faith, and enjoy more of God's great love for you.