David SnellingDave playing his guitar

I could never have imagined the way 2010 turned out for me. At the end of 2009 I was in a regular job, living in a comfortable house with my lovely wife.

Ten years of work and a sudden uncomfortable feeling “This is no longer where I belong” Is this God? Or am I going through a midlife crisis?

 After a great deal of prayer and soul-searching, I took a leap of faith and quit my job with no real idea as to what was coming next.

 For a long time I have been a musician and firmly believe that the arts have a huge role to play in church life. So I set up the Isle of Wight United Christian Artists Project in an attempt to get Christian artists talking and to put our gifts at the disposal of the Island’s churches.

 When I discovered that the London School of Theology (LST) has a Theology, Music and Worship degree, it felt like the next step to gaining skills that could help. Yet even though I have been offered an unconditional place still I wonder: Is this the right thing?

 When I quit my job we calculated that we needed £700 per month to keep us on our feet and the first thing that came through the post a couple of days later was an unexpected cheque for exactly £700. I needed a job that fitted around college and now I am employed by the YMCA to work on their Daycamps during the holidays. I needed £50 to buy books for my degree and I received a cheque for exactly £50. And still I doubt, still I struggle. God, am I doing what You would have me do?

 Becoming a Christian doesn’t get rid of all our worries. I still have to find £30,000 to pay college fees. As I write, a man is banging a “For Sale” board into my front garden. Who can say what the future holds?

 But I trust that if I am on the path God wishes me to walk He will make a way.

 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11)

 If you are interested in finding out more about the Isle of Wight United Christian Artists Project or in becoming a prayer/financial supporter as I go to Bible College please contact me at snellings832@btinternet.com