FROM ATHEISTIC SCIENTIST TO CHILDREN'S CHRISTIAN ENTERTAINER

I was born and brought up in Stoke-on Trent in England, but spent all my working life as a Research Chemist in Ayr, Scotland. I hold a PhD degree in Food Science from Strathclyde University (Glasgow). I am the author or co-author of over 60 scientific papers.

For most of my life I was an atheist. I never considered the possibility that God might be real, believing that "we Scientists" had proved He didn't really exist and was not necessary for the creation of the universe and the various life forms.

At age 36, I started going along to a Baptist church with my wife, just to keep her company. However, I heard the Gospel for the first time, and was forced to consider the amazing Christian claims.

For about a year I tried to prove the existence of God in a scientific way, but got nowhere. Then at 11 am on November 11, 1980, I was praying (I had begun to pray sometimes just in case God was real), and I realized the futility of my search for the truth. Suddenly a scripture came into my mind: "Without faith it is impossible to please God" (Hebrews 11:6).

Something 'clicked'. I realized that I couldn't prove (or disprove) the existence of God through reason or science. It was a matter of taking a step of faith. Then a second scripture came into my mind: "Ask, and you shall receive." (Luke 11:9)

So I did. I prayed: "God if you are real; if you really do exist ... reveal yourself to me." Immediately I sensed His presence. It was as though waves of love and joy were flowing through me. But intermingled with this was a devastating sense of shame. For the first time in my life I realized I was a "sinner" (By going to a Baptist church, I had been told I was a sinner and had accepted in my head, but having a revelation of that in your heart is completely different). The surprising thing was that I realized my 'sin' was not so much the 'bad' things I had done, but rather that I had centered my life around myself instead of God. I asked God to forgive me, and committed my life to Jesus. Suddenly all the doubts, problems and unanswered questions I had concerning the Christian message didn't matter any more. I just "knew" that God was real, and that He loved me and accepted me.

If I could describe my life since that time in two words, it would be: "New desires." I got a tremendous desire to read the Bible, pray, meet with other believers, and share God's love with those who didn't know Him -- not because I thought I should now that I was a Christian, but because I really wanted to. The things that used to have priority in my life, such as sport and my work, didn't seem so important any more. (Though I did get a promotion in my job about a year after my conversion experience because of my "greatly improved performance." Jesus enhances all areas of our lives!). I have been endeavoring to follow Him since.

I fellowshipped at an A.O.G. (Assemblies Of God) church in Prestwick, Ayrshire, and my Christian service included leading a Crusader (non-denominational children's youth movement) group, weekly "door to door" evangelism, and being Editor (and main contributor) to my church's magazine. Many of the articles that I wrote for this magazine were subsequently republished in British Christian outreach newspapers "Challenge", "New Life", and "The Challenger". These articles were mainly on Evangelism, The Authority of the Bible and Creation and Evolution.

In 1993 I took early retirement from my job in Ayr and emigrated with my family to Papakura, Auckland, where I now fellowship at another A.O.G. church.

On arriving in New Zealand I was amazed and thrilled to discover that "ordinary" Christians are allowed to teach Bible lessons in State Primary schools. I now spend a lot of time preparing for and taking these classes, averaging about 10 per week. I also spend much time as a Children's Christian Entertainer, taking "fun-filled" Bible presentations to churches, schools and various Christian organizations throughout the Greater Auckland area.

I am committed to reaching and discipling children for Christ, and to help equip Children's workers for their ministry. In 2003, I started sharing teaching ideas by sending out monthly Newsletters to Children's ministers worldwide. The feedback has been very encouraging. All my teaching ideas are now published on twenty 'Blogs'. My main ministry Blog address is www.unclemaurice.blogspot.com This gives links to all my other Blogs.

How blessed I am to know that God is not only real, but that I can be of service to my Lord and Savior. To Him be all the glory!