Paul - United Kingdom

Nickname: PB

Prior to becoming a Christian I was always brought up to be a reader, my father's influence. Consequently I've always been a thinker, always evaluating everything I come in contact with. My father also sparked my interest in photography.

My introduction to God came whilst I was serving in the Army, it was 1980. I was persuaded to examine Christianity by an officer I was serving under at the time. He told me about Jesus, who He is, why He came, what He did. He also told me about God, His character, His person, His love for mankind, and His involvement in creation.

Prior to this encounter with the Gospel (which was explained to me over some time of intense questioning on my part), I had never once heard the story of Jesus and the Gospel in such detail. In fact, I knew nothing of it. I could not recall ever being told it before. God, at that time in my life, didn’t even come into the equation.

I came from a completely non-religious family background. My mother and father were confessed atheists so I had no regard for religion whatsoever. However, I have always maintained an open mind; and as I pondered the meaning of the universe I would ask crazy questions like, "Why does this all exist?"

Deep inside me I somehow knew that behind it all there was intelligence. I could not accept the world existed by accident, it was not random. Nor did I accept the crazy notion of evolution, I would never accept myself as a sophisticated ape.

This officer pointed me in the direction of the Bible, the book of Hebrews to be precise, and told me to read it until it soaked in...I did.

On understanding the news about Jesus being the Son of God, Him entering the world as a man to die for my sin (in a gesture of compassion and love towards me), and thinking more and more about it - the logic of it struck me. This was the Why’s to all my questions. Jesus made it possible for me to know God, and He is my reason for being. I exist to bring God glory.

I had been persuaded, I made the step of faith, got saved and haven't looked back. On top of all that...I still have a camera in my hand!

Just after leaving the Army in 1983, I became a freelance photographer and have been involved in photography ever since. Once home, I joined a Pentecostal fellowship and am now part of the leadership team at my church.

In 1996, God called me full-time into missions. Until recently, I served with CLC Literature Mission in the United Kingdom where I have been for the past eight years, the last two of those years as the Head of Communications.

In November 2005, God brought another change of direction. It became obvious that my time at CLC had come to a close. It was time to move on, and during the next few months of prayer, thought and seeking direction I came to the conclusion that it was time to put my photographic skills into full-time use. As of April 2006, I became a full-timer in the profession. After many years of desiring to be a professional photographer and wondering what it would be like, I have been granted a dream. Photography is now my livelihood and my service to God. Your prayers will be greatly appreciated, as I am sure you know, this is a tough industry.