A beach mission saved James Lake’s life, according to the 17-year-old student film maker.

In just 14 days over the summer of 2000/2001, James became a Christian through the work of a Scripture Union Kiama beach mission team.

After receiving a flyer in the mail, James decided to check out the activities the mission team was running.

“I met a guy on team who had a degree in media production and film. I met his friends and we all got on well,” James says. “I hadn’t been actively searching to become a Christian at all. But I was in a bad state at the time and the message connected with me.”

James credits former Christ Church, Kiama’s youth worker, Andrew Stephenson, in helping him grow as a Christian. “We got along well and he said, ‘Do you want to start coming to church?’ I said ‘Yeah, sure’. He said, ‘Do you want to start coming to youth group?’ I said, ‘Yeah, sure’. He said, ‘Do you want to start coming to Bible study?’ I said, ‘Yeah, sure’. “He helped me into church life,” James says. “[And] helped me to understand the Bible and have a personal relationship with God.”

James said he never regrets the choice he made on beach mission three and a half years ago. “Before I was very negative. Now I have an understanding of the Bible. I have security for eternal life and a good set of values which will benefit me throughout my entire life. Fellowship with other Christians has had a large impact on my life and made me a better person.”