Hi, my name is Colin.  Above all else, I want to say that it’s an absolute honour to serve as an elder in such a superb church where God is the central focus.

I’m married to Sue and have 3 children (Matt, Tim, Naomi).  They’re all miracles from God.  However, one is worth talking about because of the abnormal circumstances.  After our second child, Tim, was born, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease.  At the time, God told me that I would be cured of this cancer and he was true to his word.  However, one side effect of the treatment was that I was made sterile. The hospital informed me that if nothing happened within 5 years our chances of more children would have gone.  Well, 15 years later Naomi arrived!  She was a miracle in every sense of the word.  This is just one example of how God has touched my life - I could write a book on all the things that God has done for my family and I.  One thing I’ve learnt over the years is that putting faith in God (trusting that He will do what he says he would do) is one of the best things you could do.

I was born a stone’s throw away from Heathrow airport.  My parents moved to Thames Ditton, Surrey when I was 7.  It was here, as a teenager that I found the reality of a God who was interested in me.  The amazing thing about God is that he knows everything about me, including my faults, and yet he still loves.  In fact he not only loves me with an unconditional agape love, but loved me enough to send his son Jesus to this earth to die on a cross. This act of love has set me free from all my sins and allowed me to have an intimate relationship with the creator of the universe.  What else is could you ask for.

When I was 19, I met Sue when she joined my local church (Esher Green Baptist).  It wasn’t long before we were smitten and less than a year later we were married in the summer of 1985. 

We moved to Ulverston in 1988 where we joined Emmanuel Christian Centre.  I was invited to be an elder in 2001. (not too sure when it was) I have seen many changes in the church since my arrival but one thing that remains constant is Jesus who is the same yesterday, today and forever. 

I love watching most types of sport.  My football (soccer) team is Aston Villa and NFL (American football) team is New York Jets.  My main hobby is growing fruit and veg. at a local allotment – Naomi is a keen helper here.  I’m no expert gardener, but the hard graft is worth it for the end result of juicy strawberries and crisp lettuce – yummy! 

I, like many people, have put my trust in the things this world offers like money, career, relationships, even myself, but at some time they have all let me down.  If there’s anyone you can trust in, rely on and cling to, it’s Jesus – he will never let you down. He promises never to leave or abandon you.

I recognise more and more that everything I am or achieve is down to the mercy and grace of God.  There is nothing I can do myself of any worth.  My heart’s desire is to continue to build a deeper relationship with my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ – without Him I have nothing of worth.