How long have you been a Christian?

I first encountered God age around 6. I can remember praying and having pictures and words come to mind and from then on, I knew he was there. Like all of us, I then needed to work out as I grew up, if this would be my faith, defining my life or not. So, I went through a long period of reading around to see if the evidence for Jesus being raised from the dead and his miracles, and all of that stacked up. As you might guess from the fact I am a Vicar, I was persuaded! Since then, God has helped me to grow to love him more, I have seen him do great things in my life and in the lives of other people. Life is not always as we would want it to be but throughout it I have found God to be the constant; the one who tells me I am loved, that he cares for and likes me, and that I don’t need to worry about the future in this life or in the life to come. Faith is not something some people have, and others don’t; I believe Jesus invites all of us to investigate for ourselves. Is it true? Is God there for me? What is my life all about? And he says, ‘Knock and the door will be answered’. Give it a go.

What are your hobbies and interests?

I love anything to do with water; so kitesurfing, surfing, windsurfing, windfoiling. I also love mountain biking, although having moved up from the flatlands of Salisbury I am realising what the ‘mountain’ bit means and certainly raising my game. I also love socialising, playing anything with a ball, and spending time outdoors.

And family?

My wife Rachel is loving being up here as well. We feel we have settled in quickly and are enjoying exploring what perhaps rightly people call God’s own country! It is beautiful. I have three children: Anna (8), Zac (11) and Abi (13). We enjoy walking together, games, and getting to know new people.