I am the Youth Development Officer for the West of England Baptist Association. This job is a gift from God and a great testimony to anyone involved in the voluntary sector who wishes to make a career from what they are doing. I had worked for 5 years as a volunteer and prayed earnestly to be employed by a church in order to fulfil my calling. At the point of giving up and returning to Cyprus I was offered this position in July 2003. God answered my prayer in a magnificent way saying He didn't want me to be a youth worker for one church only but for 123, has that for abundant blessing? My job is funded by DfES and my role is to work with and provide provision for marginalised young people. We do this by providing safe places for young people to hang usually in Churches or with the provision of sport. (The Church makes more youth provision then all other organisations put together.) Part of my job is to support employed youth workers through mentoring and provide training for volunteers. My favourite aspect of the work is identifying young people with leadership qualities and giving them responsibility backed up with support and training. Why do the work if someone else can do it better then us?

My career in youth work began in 1997 when I lived in Cyprus though I can probably trace it back before then with various life experiences. I was working for a school in Nicosia as a school bus driver when the headmistress asked if I would start an after school football club with the junior pupils. How could I say no and from that point I was hooked and knew I had found my vocation in life. The following summer I was invited on a summer camp which was amazing. Then in September of 1998 I volunteered as a youth worker for British Forces Youth Service on an Army Garrison on the island. As well as youth work I also volunteered as a class room assistant and run the school football team. For me this was a massive turning point in my life. I had left England in 1995 never expecting to return again but during this time I really learned to love my country again. I will always be grateful to a guy called Graham and a sister in Christ called Rachel (both quality youth workers) as well as the Army Chaplain and his wife and all in the church who stood by me during this period.

People often asked me how could I do what I did for no salary and how did I survive. The honest answer from a human perspective was I don't know. But when God calls you to do something and you trust and obey Him completely then He will give you the answer. I received no salary during this time but God was teaching me to rely totally on Him. He says he will clothe, house and feed us and He did. I received some of the best training I have ever had in youth work and sports coaching all thanks to the MOD. I made some amazing friends people who I am still close to now. Then there was the football team I took on thrashed 8-1 in our first game and within a year we turned things around beating the same team 4-2 how awesome is that? Many young people who are now adults continue to keep in touch with me. The church was a real inspiration to me our home group met at the Padre's house on top of the hill in the corner of the garrison. We enjoyed some amazing times together and had the most fabulous sea view. As a church we actively got involved with work in the community and many young people came along to services. God did amazing things in all our lives as well as the many soldiers we came into contact. One lad named Darren aged 21 in particular who gave his life to Jesus and who we baptised in the sea in front of 100's of service personnel how awesome is that. An amazing summer camp on Troodos station where I headed up a group of older teenagers confirmed for me my calling that I was to work specifically with this age group. My time came to an end on the garrison in 2000 and my last youth work was a Valentine's night party. I'm proud to say I still keep this valentine's tradition going and always seek to do something with one of the groups I work with.

In June 2000 I returned home to Bath (to complete my degree) and began working as a volunteer youth worker at what was going to become my home church Hay Hill Baptist on the Paragon at the top of town. Once again people questioned my judgement working as a volunteer but I had no hesitation just acting on God's instructions leave it to Him and He will provide the rest. God immediately began to use me in that place and before too long you've guessed it a football time came into being. It all began with a 15 year old lad named Ashley and the rest I guess is history. From football team to Drop-in, Drop-in to Bible study group and many giving their lives to Jesus Christ. After a short break I'm now part of the volunteer team working with a teenage group called Underground and Hay Hill Kidz (well this was where my career began with under 8's). With our new pastor and tow great youth and children's teams this work can only go from strength to strength and I'm so proud to be serving God this way.

As well as volunteering for Hay Hill on my return to Bath I also became a volunteer instructor for the Army Cadet Force serving mainly in Bath and Paulton. I have also worked throughout my home county of Somerset something I have been very proud of. This has been mainly weekends away in a place called Yoxter as well as assisting 20 CTT the Army's Cadet Training Team. As well as evenings and weekends each summer the cadets have an annual camp. This has been one of the main highlights as each camp is always in a different part of the country. I'm so grateful to the ACF who have provided me with some great training as well as all the awesome people I've met in the organisation. At the time of writing I'm considering my future mainly because of other commitments but if I have to leave now I'm sure it will be for a temporary period only.

On completing my degree at Bristol Baptist College in July 2002 I got my first paid youth work, a part time job with Bath Youth for Christ. I had also been a volunteer for this organisation after returning to Bath. My time with Bath YFC was truly amazing as I was able to put all my work under the banner of one organisation. It also confirmed for me that my work would mainly be with young men one of the highlights being work in Bath hostel getting to know the lads and taking it turns to cook for each other. There were many memorable moments our Thursday afternoon youth club for unemployed young people, staff conferences where I received quality training g and meeting my now ex boss a super guy called Simon Blakemore who has become one of my closest friends.

Simon and I are now closely linked with the Supported Lodgings Scheme. For a number of years I had been considering fostering. Then through Simon I discovered this scheme which seeks to house young people who have been in care and offer them support and training in life skills with the goal of finding them their own place to live. I knew this scheme was for me and when I met Steve last August it was like meeting up with a long lost friend. Steve moved into my flat last September and has become like a son to me. It will probably be best to hear about our experience together from Steve himself so watch this space. All I can say is if you have been considering fostering or even the Supported Lodging Scheme please do it, your life will be blessed then you could ever imagine.

Besides youth work and my work with young people I am also a qualified Personal Trainer. It is my belief that everyone should have access or be made aware of the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle by what we eat and to keep fit by exercising. I am passionate about sport and I'm a keen long distance runner and love going to the gym. I also love rugby, cricket and football and have travelled to many countries around the world supporting England in all three sports. My greatest adventures being Mexico 86, Italia 90, South Africa 95 and Australia 2003 where England were crowned rugby world champions. Praise the Lord. Travelling is a passion of mine and is probably one of the main reasons I have remained single. Music is another hobby I play the saxophone and I'm part of the world record breaking team, Bath 2004. Check out www.blowoutsax.com