The "19" event

Having planned to do it for so long, I finally found myself in the upstairs of the Balti Cottage in Stirchley ready to enjoy an evening with my colleagues. I had Rich & Glyn to help me set up, and we were still hard at it when guests came along.

Once the MP3s of 1985 hits were playing, the atmosphere became much more like a party. Lots of "18" and "1 today" balloons in pairs and a "Happy Birthday" banner helped the air of a celebration.

Michael Green was a very enthusiastic mingler, and Bruce Kuhn kept the maths department fully entertained too!

The balti was good, and after the main course I got up to say a few words. I talked a little about Sheffield, the city of my birth, using the start of the film The Full Monty. I talked a little about my family, and what a debt of gratitude I owed my mum and gran. However, my family was in no way religious, and I found any mention of religion acutely embarrassing.

When some of my friends invited me to Billy Graham, I saw no reason to go to a football stadium to hear a man who would say things to make me cringe! Nevertheless I went, and completely changed my mind after hearing Dr Graham speak about John 14:1-14, especially Jesus being the Way, the Truth and the Life. Bruce Kuhn performed this for us, and really brought it to life in a fresh way.

Michael spoke about his experience of coming to know Jesus whilst sat amongst the cricket equipment at his public school. The need to get rid of our nastiness ("sin") was highlighted, and Jesus took that for us on the cross Himself.

I then spoke about what happened since I became a Christian, concentrating on how God was kind enough to give us such a beautiful baby daughter (see below!).

My colleagues were very appreciative, and warmed to Michael, Bruce and the whole evening. It was a very special time I won't easily forget. One said that he felt the presence of God throughout the evening.

I'm so grateful to have had the privilege of spending that evening with valued colleagues, talking about the Rescuer and Ruler of my life, Jesus Christ.