Dan 

What is your name, home town, and favourite colour?

What is your funniest childhood memory?

I grew up in Bexhill – it’s all boring there!

Why are you involved in youthpembury.net?

Simon is quite persuasive… but I actually quite enjoy it.

What is your role as a youth leader?

I help run the 11-14s lads group

How did you become a Christian?

I became a Christian when I was 16. I was sent by my parents to go on a Christian youth weekend. I was struck by how happy and relaxed all the other people were, and realised Christianity had something to do with it. They were able to be real and still be happy. I went to my room that night and prayed, "God if I can have some of that then I'll be a Christian!"

I started to try to work out how to be a Christian at that point, and that summer I felt God meet with me very powerfully at a camp like Detling. I was also really helped by doing a Discipleship Training School with YWAM during my gap year and joining the university Christian Union.

Who has helped you most in your Christian life and how?

My parents - setting an example

CS Lewis, John Piper and Francis Shaeffer - writing books.

5 mates at Uni - prayer and study group.

What is your favourite bible verse and why?

I was given Nehemiah 8:10 "the joy of the lord is your strength" at my baptism. Its my favourite verse because when I take things like Christianity, Church and life too seriously I just remember this verse and smile and remember that God likes it when we're happy - and he cares far more about people than the stuff we do.

What is your favourite song, and why?

‘Take Me To Your Heart’ by Michael Learns to Rock

Why? Because it is the most popular famous song in China and reminds me of my football tour/mission over there.

If you could take 3 things with you to a desert island, what would you take?

A bible, a football and my wife.

What advice would you give to young people about relationships?

Ask ‘what would Jesus do?’ If that doesn’t help then try imagining him watching you – some might say he is!

Anything else you want to add?

 Which cartoon character are you most like, and why?

Bart Simpson was my idol for years… 

Come to this leader if...

1)you’re sick of church but quite like Jesus