This post is a response to Dave talking people who have had a significant impact on him personally. I originally planned to write this a while back, but never got round to it and Dave’s been nagging in the comments!

So here is a short list of people who have had a huge impact on my life and my walk with God.

• Ishmael: the famous children’s worker was a part of our church when I was growing up and I learnt a lot from the way he included kids like me in the wider church services. His songs also taught me a lot of scripture that I remember to this day!
• Jez & Kirsty Wong: Kirsty took over the kids work at church when I was 11 and allowed me to ‘help’ out. She suffered each week at my over-enthusiasm, and both her and Jez became a constant source of encouragement over the years. I now return the favour as youth leader to both their children and I am proud to be able to call them all my friends.
• Dave Boniface: When I was 17, I went on a short-term mission to South Africa that really opened my eyes to the power and responsibility of the gospel. Dave led the team and showed me a humble and gracious model of leadership that I had not experienced before. We have laughed and cried together ever since!
• Paul Sanderson: Paul gave me my first real job and spent those first few years encouraging and inspiring me in my youth work. It’s impossible to summarise what I learnt from working alongside such a passionate and visionary man. I now have the pleasure of being Godparent to his fourth child Promise.
• Kirsty: My beautiful wife has taught me so much about life and friendship. She’s constantly keeping me grounded and realistic when I get carried away or fed up, and she helps me to be a little less selfish every day.

So there you go. There are plenty more people who could fit into this list, but I want to keep it short and focused. Who would you say has inspired you?