My family are descendants of Jean Tijou the Wrought Iron Artisan, commissioned by Sir Christopher Wren (c1680s) to Design and construct many of the Gates and Fences in London. (Hampton Court/Tijou Gates, St. Paul's Cathedral, etc.) My arrival to America: My Mama was born in Rome and Married my Pop who was an English Officer in the British MPs stationed in Rome during World War 2. She was a school teacher. They met at a Dance and very quickly fell in Love. Just before he left for Palestine with the English Peace Keeping Troops, he married my Mom and departed. After his 2nd tour, 2 years later, he returned home and sent for her to come to England (This was widely done during the War by soldiers of all countries fighting overseas). I was born in Worthing Sussex England. My mother subsequently convinced my Dad to immigrate to America to be near her sister, who married an American GI. I love My America. My mom passed in 1985. I think of her everyday^.^)

My wife, Donna, and I moved to a house in a new neighborhood in 2004. Upon getting settled, we began to notice a sweet, little church nestled in a small, wooded area, located a few blocks from our beachside home. For many months we passed by, reading the sign that referenced the title of Sunday's upcoming service, and spoke about what it might be like to attend. Curious of my newly found interest, having been an agnostic since my teens, I felt a subtle calling...

My mother, Italian, a school teacher and devout catholic, my father, an English MP, protestant, and quietly committed, collectively prompted my decision in my youth to reject both religions. I simply concluded it could not be equitable that the enlightenment of one parent meant the absence of salvation for the other. Having been educated in the mechanics of geology, the theories of paleontology, and the paradigms of sociology, I thought I had discovered the "scientific" and "social" rationale of why the concept of God was just a "pattern maintenance" function of society. Of course, I postulated, "It was to prevent natural chaos and offer a form of cultural stabilization for humanity as a macrocosm". I always had the best arguments and irrefuteable responses for a world independent and without need for God or His magnanimity. It always seemed so clear... but yet?

Passing by that little church each time, deep within my heart I subliminally realized, Jesus was calling me. Intuitively I always knew, if I asked, the truth was clearly before me.

On His birthday eve, 2007, Jesus welcomed me to His little house in the woods. My loving, patient, non-judgmental, old souled, many years "born again", Christian wife, led me and our daughter, Madeline, to the Lord that night. Upon entering, I felt as though I were one of the "Wise Men" who's quest had finally brought them to the baby in the manger... the "Messiah" . The loving embrace of the congregation, the gentle ministering of the very special Pastor, the overwhelming presence of "Goodness and Glory" and the indescribable feeling beyond logic entered my soul.

On April 9th, 2008, in the presence of Donna, Paster Tim, and his wonderful wife, Marilyn, I accepted the Lord in my heart and formally gave my life, destiny, and soul to Christ.

Presently, we attend His little house in the woods regularly and jubilantly, from that day to this.

We attend Sunday School, and also Bible Study on Wednesday nights. We are reading "Our Daily Bread", various books, including Rick Warren's "Purpose Driven Life", and of course, the Bible, which has become a "Beacon" for our thoughts and practices through life.

Donna was elected and ordained as a Deacon in January 2010, and I have truly found my trust and salvation in the Lord. Each day I am closer to my Savior. This is my life; this is my testimony. My life in Christ has just begun, but my pledge to Him and my faith are for eternity.