I’ve always believed in God but it used to frustrate me that I’d never met him in person. “Of course”, I thought, “it’s OK for Noah, Abraham and Moses they met Him in person”. “They talked directly with Him; they got a burning bush, a column of fire or a stone tablet.”

I carried on with this internal discussion for nearly 30 years.

Then in 2000 when my first son – Max, and my second in 2004 – Sam, arrived and I enjoyed the spiritual awakening that so many people share when they experience the pure joy of parent-hood. “Right”, I thought, “back to God!” “Where he is He?” “I need to share Him with my children.”

At this point I undertook my first Alpha course, at St.Bart’s in Horley. My second Alpha course followed, as did many years of church visits and much soul searching. I opened my bible every morning and felt moved by what I read. I prayed and meditated, every day, but still – no voice or burning bush.

On many of my church visits I’d personally witnessed people overcome by the Holy Spirit and moved by their personal enlightenment. I was very happy for them, but I was still waiting to meet God - in person - before I could take the final step.

About 5 years ago we moved to our current home in Albert Rd. Almost daily I would pass by the Horley Baptist Church, and could never pass by without reading the inscription on one its foundation stones. It simply states:

This stone was laid by Mr&Mrs Samuel Burrow on their silver wedding day Apr 29th 1879
'Seek the Lord and his strength. Seek his face continually.' 1 Chronicles 16:11

And every time I read this I thought: “believe me God - I am looking for You, continually, but where is your face?” I felt like God was ‘on my case’ but that He wasn’t making it easy for me to find Him. I was, after all, more than ready for my ‘flash of light’ or ‘celestial visit’.

Then, for no obvious reason, I started listening to Christine’s weekly sermons, on- line, and I became more and more interested in the activities of Horley Methodist Church. I even plucked up the courage to come here one day, and I loved the place.

Then it started to happen. There was no flash of light or booming voice. I just simply and slowly started to realise that I’m not going to meet God, in this world. For now I need to have faith and believe that He is near. Then ‘amazingly’ I did start to see Him. In the faces of the wonderful family and friends He has blessed my life with, in the random acts of kindness from strangers and even in the desperate faces of people who need my help.

If you want to see God’s face - just take a look at the person stood next to you and tell them that ‘you love them’. If this makes you feel awkward - a smile will do. When they smile back at you – I hope and pray that you see - what I now see: God’s face and His ‘Amazing Grace’.

So this is why at 41 years old – I ‘finally’ want to be Baptised and Confirmed.

Damon Stanton
28.11.10