David Norbury
1. How did you become a Christian?
I was in the Sixth Form, studying Science. A Maths teacher in the school established a Christian Union, then a Christian RE teacher was appointed too. Despite my Sunday School background I was far from sure that God existed. Over time I began to realise intellectually that there really was a God. Yet I just could not come to commit myself to Him.
Then the local National Young Life Campaign (NYLC) branch in Shotton, North Wales, organised a mission with an inter-school quiz. A friend was in our school team – I went to support. After the quiz Verna Wright spoke. It was then that I realised that the Lord Jesus had given everything for me as He died in my place. My response that night was to ask Him to come to me, acknowledging my failure and to give Him my everything. My life truly changed. The next day reading the Bible and prayer brought a real sense of the living God into my life.
2. What lessons have you learned since that you would want to pass on to a younger version of yourself?
Sin is not your friend – ever! The Lord Jesus is your best friend – always – without fail!!
It is okay to be weak – His strength is made perfect in your weakness – but that is no excuse for laziness.
Always remember the Lord Jesus and seek to bring yourself and others to the foot of the cross.
Don’t be afraid to be a learner – listen and learn from others, and feel comfortable in asking any questions.
Service is about people. But they don’t all think the same way. If you want to help folk you need to understand them and their thinking.
Ideas can change the world – but without the hard work of steps and processes to make them happen people will rarely be blessed. Every step, however small, in the right direction, is important.
A good habit is the result of a multitude of small, consistent personal moves in the right direction.
3. How would you describe your prayer life?
Work in progress! I have learned the great value of a prayer journal. I find myself praying as Paul did for the Ephesians – that I might ‘know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge…’. However, ‘Lord, teach me to pray’ is my cry too.
4. Which 2 or 3 Christian books apart from the Bible have most influenced your faith?
In my 20s – Martyn Lloyd Jones; The Sermon on the Mount, Volumes 1 and 2.
In my 40s – Study Notes on the Scriptures (18 short books) by John MacArthur Jnr (To this day I have no idea who sent them to me!!).
In my 60s – Walking with God through Pain and Suffering by Timothy Keller.
5. Who or what have been your biggest Christian influences?
I am an only child. But our kind Lord has given me many brothers. When I was converted I had no local Bible-based church to belong to. I was nurtured and helped through Christians in NYLC, United Beach Missions, Bangor University Christian Union and the Evangelical Movement of Wales.
Always through precious brothers, who shared their lives with me. There are too many to name. Often their wisdom is captured in the briefest of phrases, impacting me at vital times: ‘Keep going!’; ‘Love people to bits!’; ‘Live as a servant’; ‘Lead as a servant’; ‘Remember the stress of Scripture is on Christ crucified’.
I cannot leave out my wife, Pat. She often helps me by asking a question. One such question was: ‘Have you ever wondered how the top gets back on the shaving foam every morning?’ I know now!
6. What are the main challenges you believe Christians face today?
To take the gospel out into the public place.
To work with other gospel folk as much as you can to make the gospel known.
Learn to pray seriously and confidently in Jesus’ name.
To look to the harvest fields – to look out, look up and enterprisingly seek to find ways to share the gospel.
7. What encourages and what discourages you?
I am especially encouraged by folk who take their life in their hands by coming on a church or outreach event; then simply admitting their weakness, leaning on God in prayer and ‘having a go’ at sharing the gospel for the first time.
Similarly on Beach Missions each year to see first-timers becoming excited as in their weakness they share the gospel – alongside others who came in previous years and work with them. In wonder they find God working through their weakness. This gospel unity generated is infectious and wonderfully glorifies our Lord Jesus.
I am most discouraged by anything which puts itself above the gospel or undermines genuine Biblical and sincere efforts to bless and encourage others. Such attitudes can cause serious damage to fellow believers and undermine the unity of purpose in the service of committed gospel-focused Christians.
8. What makes you laugh?
Grandchildren – I am blessed with seven wonderful grandchildren!
Quips and wit – especially from our three sons and the seniors with whom I play golf.
9. What would you want to say to the wider Christian world?
Keep the gospel as the main thing. Don’t be distracted – take the gospel out – be courageous – don’t be afraid to sacrifice - God is no man’s debtor. And pray constantly for wisdom, power and guidance from the Lord.
10. Which Biblical person do you most look forward to meeting in glory and why?
Paul. I find his conversion, discipleship and sacrifice matched with his courage in the face of incredible odds to be immensely challenging and attractive.
