Nations And Missions
I have degrees in arts (languages) and law, and worked 18 years as a lawyer in the New Zealand government before moving north in 1986 to a property that had belonged to my parents for 20 years.
Classics, Art and Law
Law was my third choice in careers. As a teenager in Scotland, I wanted to do art. That was forbidden: a huge disappointment, but probably for the best. I studied the Classics for my Arts degree (in Central Africa), my dream: to be an archaeologist working in the Mediterranean. A sudden move to New Zealand put an end to that: second disappointment. It also deprived me of a Booker Scholarship.
I went on to major in Ancient Greek and Latin before studying Law. I’ve never regretted investing that time in the classical world, and kept a strong interest in the history and archaeology of the Mediterranean ever since. It is paying off now.
During the years in government, my work included drawing up legislation, legal advisory functions, court appearances and teaching. I kept sane by visiting my folks in the Far North every year, and walking the high country at weekends and holidays.
The Creator encountered me ‘unofficially’ in two places at this time – in the amazing beauty and majesty of His natural creation, firstly in the great outdoors, and secondly as seen down the lens of a laboratory microscope.
I was always nominally a Christian – lukewarm is the word. But in October 2006, some friends invited me to their church. I had been looking after my elderly mom sole charge for over 9 years (Alzheimers – hard going) and she was in respite care for a week. Though I didn’t really hold with churches, which I felt were man-made, I was moved to go.
The impact of the service and music was so great, I chose to give my life to Jesus that day and was baptized with 3 others in a ceremony they were holding in the ocean near the church. Hallelujah! It was an amazing turn of events that only God could have created: I shall be forever grateful to the Lord for His mercy in reaching out and pulling me into His boat.
My mom died 4 months later, and a host of problems followed. I cannot imagine what life would be had the Lord not taken me on.
Fourteen years down the track, my belief has only strengthened – thanks to things that happened to me and others, to a deeper understanding of the Bible, and to ongoing news of discoveries that continue to be made by archaeologists working in countries around the Mediterranean.
Damascus Road News 