Brian . . .
It is never to late to become a Christian
When I was about eight or nine years old, my mother sent me to Sunday school, although neither of my parents were regular church goers. I think this did little to bring me toward the christian faith, and for years I just seemed to drift along without any real belief. Three years service in the Royal Navy did little to bring me to know God either. In the services only two religions were recognised, C of E and Roman Catholicism, and I was placed in the former. When church services were possible I attended because it was obligatory, not because I wanted to. Back in civvy street I resumed my occupation as a bank clerk and was sent to work in Colmore row, Birmingham. This was a move for which I have always been grateful, for it was here that I met Vicky who was to become my wife.
Our first move was to Rugby, then Kidderminster, then Pershore, but I was no nearer to becoming a Christian. I attended church with Vicky but was always glad for an excuse not to go! The Methodist church was a few miles out of town and with a young family to transport it was difficult to attend, so we switched to the Baptist Church. Our final move was to Alcester where we were made welcome by the congregation there. In due course I was asked to stand as a deacon, accepted and was duly elected. I know now that I served for the wrong reasons, because I could give little in the way of Christian input, I think I was flattered by the title.
In a roundabout way though, it led me to accepting Jesus as my saviour. I had finished serving Communion one day and sat quietly on the platform when God spoke to me. I heard no voice but the words were there. "Brian I want you, get baptised and follow me."
That sounds dramatic, but I can only tell it as it happened. I did no more than go to the minister and asked to be baptised. I was then 47 years old. Gradually my attitude changed and I found myself wanting to go to Church and not going just to keep Vicky company.
The conclusion to this testimony is that some years ago we started to go to a church in Harvington where we found a warm and loving church and hope we shall spend many more years there. I do not know what the future holds, but I am certain of one thing, I shall never be alone.