Introducing Rob
Over the next few weeks we are going to feature an ‘interview’ with members of the Jubilee team. Today we start with Rob, seen here with his wife Alison.
How did you become a Christian?
Raised in a Christian family I had an awareness of God from a very early age. Around about the age of 4 I had a series of spiritual experiences when I was very ill and I thought I was going to die.
One night during this time I got up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom and on my way back to bed I got frightened and disorientated and couldn’t find my way. But then a very kind ‘man’ came and helped me to bed and held me until I was asleep.
Neither of my parents had got up to me that night and when I woke the next morning I was quite sure that Jesus had been in my room that night… perhaps it was an angel but to me as a young child I was sure that I had met with Jesus. This was very vivid encounter – even now the impact of it is clear in my mind!
It was soon after this that I ‘gave my heart to Jesus’ and I’ve never looked back!
Who is your favourite bible character and why?
Er. Jesus… he is indisputably the most inspiring man who ever lived and well, he is God and no one is his equal so it’s a no-brainer really!
What is your favourite Bible verse and why?
I don’t know if I really have a favourite verse but the one that is challenging me a lot and that I think and talk about the most is probably the one where Jesus models how to live the Christian life:
So Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. (John 5:19)
It’s kind of how did he see that, how did he do that, how can I live like that and build a church that does that… it’s become a bit of a quest for me this idea.
How do you keep an appropriate church/work/life balance?
Well, left to my own devises I don’t think I would! But I have people around me who care about me enough to ask including my lovely wife Alison. So right at the beginning of our marriage we decided some things that we have mostly kept to: Saturdays are primarily for family time unless agreed otherwise. We don’t usually book anything on the Monday or Friday night either for the same reason.
I guess it all comes back to my ‘quest’ I mentioned earlier. I see some very driven leaders who end up with some very ‘successful’ ministries but at the cost of driving their families and others that are close to them away. I have never been prepared to pay that kind of price and so I am trying to learn how to work with Jesus in building his church and to say no to other things.
What are your hobbies?
I love reading! Sorry if that sounds sad but I really do. I read all the time over a very wide range of things. Buying a Kindle has completely revolutionised this for me – the idea that I can take my library with me wherever I go is amazing!
Along with a good book I love the sea and being out in the hills somewhere whenever I can.
What has been your favourite holiday destination so far and why?
Canada definitely. So much unspoilt beauty and mile upon mile of God’s creation, lakes, quiet and stillness. I haven’t found anywhere else like this.
Who has had the most influence on your life and in what way?
My parents obviously. They have been such an example to me over my whole life of passionate lovers of God. They have worked so hard for the kingdom and their love of people. They are an inspiration.
But there are many others too some living some now dead. As teenager for example, I was completely gripped by the life story of William Duma who was a South African Pastor who saw amazing miracles and had a phenomenal prayer life. I have always wanted to emulate him in my life.
More recently Angela Kemm and Julian Adams have had a huge influence on me and I have learnt so much from them and still do of courageous faith and for the supernatural. Both South Africans of course. African people have often had a hand in my growth and development as Christian.
If Jubilee Church had a pet what would it be and why?
I’m sorry but we can’t have any pets – they wouldn’t be allowed on the new carpet!
Thanks Rob. It’s been great to find out more about you. Don’t forget to make sure you don’t miss anything by signing up with your email address to receive blog posts directly to your inbox.
