Rod - New Zealand

Nickname: bigpalnz

As I look back, I am constantly amazed and thankful for the way in which I can trace the working of God in my life.

From an aimless and restless life in my homeland of New Zealand, the Lord has guided me first to Israel, then to Canada, where the reality of Christ's sacrificial death on Calvary first had a life transforming impact on me.

In the intervening years, despite what seemed to be more 'downs' than 'ups,' God has been faithful. He has led me back to New Zealand and has always been faithful to lead me in the footsteps of Jesus, even when I have not been as committed as I should have been.

Now that Christ is at the centre of my hopes and aspirations, situations and circumstances which would have formerly destroyed me are being used by
God to strengthen and encourage me as He continues to show His gracious presence in my life - a presence which is constantly at work to form in me Christ-like character. Much remains to be done, but I am so thankful for how far He has brought me.

I'm taking up photography again after twenty-five years. After I come to grips with the 'digital revolution,' I simply want to use any 'gift' for the medium that He chooses to give me to testify to His faithfulness and to the glory of His creation, particularly as revealed in His love for such creatures of clay as us.