DAVID TODD
is a member of South Belfast "D.C.F:I
I was born in 1968, just before The Troubles started.
My Mum says that's no coincidence!
Ours was a very close-knit loving family, but it wasn't a Christian one.
I was christened in the Presbyterian Church but after that I wasn't inside a church building again for a dozen years or more.
When I was in my third year at grammar school, a friend invited me along to the local Baptist Church.
I went there several times, and also to some of their youth outreach events.
I gradually became aware of the reality of God, my own sin, and my need of Jesus.
I was saved at the age of 14.
I did well to begin with, as the youth ministry was very strong and my faith flourished.
Things wobbled a little when I went away to Edinburgh University but I soon settled down at a good Church of Scotland.
In my third year, however, disaster struck.
I collapsed with a stroke as a result of a rugby incident.
For about 6 months I was very bitter.
Then one day, a church visitor asked me directly if I had lost my faith.
I couldn't speak at all in those days so I just nodded.
I expected a reply along the lines of "You must persevere" but instead he just said "That's a very human reaction".
That was a very big turning point for me as I realised that Jesus was as real as ever, still loved me, and longed to help me, if only I would let Him.
From then on I began to read my Bible again, to pray, and to take an interest in spiritual things.
To say I've never looked back is not quite right, as there have been many ups and downs.
But God is there through it all and I'm still smiling, and giving as much cheek as ever, so I can't complain.
The hymn "Be Thou My Vision" sums up how I want to approach the rest of my life.
Be Thou my Vision, 0 Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art,
Thou my best thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my Wisdom, Thou my true Word,
I ever with Thee, Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.
Be Thou my battle-shield, sword for the fight,
Be Thou my dignity, Thou my delight,
Thou my soul's shelter, Thou my high tower;
Raise Thou me heavenward,
0 Power of my power.
Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of heaven, my treasure Thou art.
High King of heaven, after victory won,
May I reach heaven's joys, 0 bright heaven's Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, 0 Ruler of all.