1.  Firstly the living, infallible and inerrant Holy Bible (anthem)

2. Second, my life-changing experience of the reality of God...more

I sprang from a close-knit country family.

Then I battled, as is often the case, thro’ adolescence at state and boarding schools.

Being sensitive was probably more me than standing my ground. No answer here to The Meaning of Life?

Yep, I felt ultra good if I was easily accepted by my peers. But I still had my pride. I was the boss!

I recall spending my precious dollars on stereo systems, clothes and the like to be in with the crowd, and it usually was the boys. Really I was a chauvinist. (God is healing my attitudes in this area, to be the "same as that of Christ Jesus!" (Philippians 2:5)

Any rate, I dabbled in alcohol and drugs but never seem to convince anyone that I was "one of the boys" - no good at that game!

I only smoked cigarettes for one week until I could see no point in doing something which tastes so foul! No answer here to The Meaning of Life? Beer eventually lost its appeal on July 13 1983.

That day, July 13 1983, was a watershed for me. Up to then I had spent all my earnings on chasing satisfaction but remained empty in the pit of my gut.

When I was ten I keep looking down the driveway at home, thinking there must be more! One day I'll get old and I'll die, so what's the point? What is, The Meaning of Life? My years must be for a reason, otherwise life is pointless. I'd like to know why we live at all?

Well, I met a man after fourteen more years of confusion (on July 13 1983), who filled the pit of my gut and told me why I lived.

I had tried meditation, buddism, and bahai, to find the answer. Not many avenues into The Meaning of Life, but they were enough for me. They say "this is the truth" but it really only obscured truth from my sight.

The way it happened for me was an invite, by a friend, to a bush camp. It was my last year at Lincoln University (New Zealand) and, I could do with a break. For some reason, I felt to honour this friend, and I had few real friends.

I knew it was a Christian camp but I was "duty-bound" and duly handed over the fee, no problem.

The retreat was gentle enough and early on I spotted a fellow student with a curve and face to match. I felt strangely reverent and diverted my eyes, bit my lip and went on my way.

She was not there for me, but she was there to develop a deeper relationship with God. I don’t think she was The Meaning of Life? I remember thinking "what right have I got to interfere". Nearing the end of the weekend, trying my best to participate, when you cannot keep a tune, and feeling I was not getting my money's worth, I made a move, NOT on her, but better than that!

I approached my friend, the one who had invited me to the camp, and nervous-like asked if we could pray. He ushered me to his room and we sat opposite on single beds. I asked the guy “what should I say”. He felt it best if he prayed and I repeated. I think he did two lines, and after repeating them, I went ad lib.

Those minutes were not dramatic, but when we returned to the main lounge - this was the moment of truth!

I entered through the back door and immediately turned to face half dozen students in varying stances having supper. I can't recall the names - perhaps Terry, Bruce and Marvin etc, who knows? They looked no more remarkable than usual but my response struck me dead! For years I had been striving for an effortless one and paid dearly for it. Now it spontaneously sprung upon me and it seemed so enjoyable. Was this The Meaning of Life?

It was, no less, than a 180 degree grin! I mean it just flicked up there. No pushing the lips. Like the spring, snapped back into position.

On my return to University, in the car, I sang it up. All the promises of an earth-shattering new life - I had turned over a big leaf! Thank goodness, God makes allowance for our conversion exuberance. The following weeks remain memorable, specifically meeting up with a great buddy, Kelly Hay on the next day or so, and my trips to the dining hall.

I now knew the answer to The Meaning of Life? The answer…which is found in a person called Jesus...

• and life had more in store for me

• if you want to be saved now

• want to talk out loud!

• want to download another presentation of my story (part 1) on video

I believe in these two things above, but would like to add:

1. The second occurred because of the first; it was evidence of the first and began an investigation of the first. It was real because it happened to me.

2. There is only one God, the Almighty, eternally existing in three persons - the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Each is fully Deity and fully God. This concept of the Trinity is impossible for us mere mortals, to fully understand; we can touch on it but really we need to just accept it on faith!

3. God's Son, Jesus Christ is the living Word and was "with God in the beginning". He was incorruptible and at the right time, was born of a virgin and complimented His full Deity with full humanity.

4. Man and woman were created in the image of God, miraculously and to have unhindered fellowship with God. However, that relationship or access was destroyed by sin and only a perfect sacrifice would bring a restoration.

5. Jesus was that perfect substitute, and paid the fee in full for you and me to reunite with the Father. God's divine justice required such a perfect sacrifice. AND this reuniting is available to all men, women and children but not pets! A dog has no need of salvation but I won't labour the point.

6. When God the Father raised His son from the dead, He left His Spirit among us. An integral role for God's Spirit is to empower believers such as myself to "go forth and make disciples of all the nations"

7. Jesus will return again in the flesh to marry his bride (the Church), complete history and God's eternal plan and reign with you and me forever.