I grew up in a Christian family on a farm in Otago - up in the hills above the Manuka Gorge. We attended church regularly, I learned about God and Jesus through Sunday school and books we read at home, and Mum led us in prayers each night before bed. We always said grace before every meal, and we generally tried to live out what Jesus taught - particularly the 'love your neighbour as yourself' attitude. While we didn't appear to be 'on fire' or 'full-on' compared to those who were involved in the Charismatic revivals that were going on around that time, I used to observe my parents making certain lifestyle choices that, at the time, didn't appear to be specifically 'Christian', but as an adult reflecting back over my childhood, I understand that was their way of living a Christ-filled life.
Dad was an avid visitor of the parish - he used to disappear with a bundle of church bulletins every so often and be away for hours! We used to jokingly say he was trying everyone's baking, but he was a really faithful visitor to people, interested in their lives, and being a really good listener. He also had a habit of picking up hitchhikers! This may not read quite so well, but his purpose was to bring them up to the farm, give them a meal, then show them the farm the next day before taking them down the road a bit to carry on their way. It helped him achieve something that he was always keen on - meeting people from around the world - without leaving home, as this was difficult for a farmer.
Mum was similar in her outward friendship and hospitality, and made strong community contacts through different groups, giving support to others when necessary. They were both well read, and often chose to read challenging books that made them revisit some of their beliefs and understandings, so our discussions around the dinner table, particulary after church, were often interesting debates that helped us all form our ideas as we grew up. I loved that we were able to do this - we learned that faith in Christ was not a 'blind' faith, but rather a faith that required thought, action, reflection.
I'm still thinking, acting and reflecting, and I doubt I'll stop anytime soon. I like to read and be challenged, changed, and refined - so here are a few books that I found impacting in different ways: Tony Campolo would be one of my all-time favourite evangelists/teachers/theologians to listen to or read. Here's his website, which has many sermons linked to it, and the book lists etc. I loved reading 'Speaking my mind' and I need to read it again. I always feel like that after reading something really impacting - but often don't get a chance to repeat read until much later on....
On the way to Vietnam I decided to read a book I had been given by a lovely couple prior to leaving Korea, as we had so much time waiting in Auckland. This 242 page book was amazing -about an inspiring, courageous, and faith-filled man who went from being a reluctant back-row dweller to a spirit-filled mover and shaker! He is still actively involved in helping those from North Korea who manage to escape and need medical assistance. Fantastic read, and still very much happening today.
Another faith-inspiring part of my life is watching my own sons and daughters-in-law express and explore their own faith. They have their own stories to tell, but here are some links to things they have shared publicly.
Matt and Megan are part of a Christian group called Urban Vision, and are based at Ngatiawa River Monastery. You can click on the links and read about them - we love visiting Ngatiawa when we come back for our break from teaching - the stresses of life seem to fall off, and the peacefulness of the chapel and warmth of the fellowship around the huge kitchen table are two extra reasons to stay longer!
Greg has been writing and producing music through which he expresses his faith journey thus far, and has shared it with the wider world via a facebook page and is loading the songs up onto soundcloud. Check them out!
Jacob's creative talents are many, but his current focus is on videography and photography. His page speaks for itself - JacobStanleyCreative.com. He has a real passion for Christ, and youth, and young adults, and is really involved in these ministry areas in his life and with his church. Click on the 'about me' part to see some of the video-testimony work he has done. Amazing.
There are many other influential people I've met during my life so far - some for only a few moments, some are walking right beside me daily. I appreciate you all, and thank you for the role you've played in my life. May the journey continue much!
Isabel
Other books, authors and websites I highly recommend:
Sarah Bessey - author of 'Jesus Feminist' - fantastic website, lots of great links too
Lee Stroebel (The 'Case for' series, great reading for those who suffer from those constant doubts!!)
Philip Yancey (in particular 'What's so amazing about grace')
A brilliant and challenging website based in the UK that I'm currently reading - Resistance and Renewal
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