In this column, we discover more about our Baptist whānau, meeting someone in our team of 40,000 each post. This week we are getting to know Angus Budge, Baptist Assembly Council member and Pastor at Rotorua Baptist Church.
What is something you think everyone should experience at least once in their life?
A trip to Scotland – why would anyone not want to experience what makes the people who invented: the television, the telephone, the steam engine, the vacuum flask, the pneumatic tyre, fingerprinting, penicillin, the refrigerator, the flush toilet (and many more besides) – tick?
If you could be a pro at any one thing, what would it be?
Golf – it seems that this is one sport you can keep doing forever; surfing – I love the water. My two sons both surf and I’ve never tried it, so a bit of envy when they talk about how much they love it.
What is a random interest that has completely nothing to do with your study or work?
Hmm, I don’t think I can do random that well. I really enjoy cooking curries. I love studying history. I’m getting into gardening, learning how to espalier fruit trees. I love fishing but don’t get to do it much, and golf, but I’m terrible. And duck shooting in season.
What is the oddest fact you know?
There are three golf balls on the moon. Why? No idea unless someone was practicing bunker shots.
What is the most boring thing you’ve ever done?
I watched a movie called the Horse Whisperer, which was like watching grass grow. Waiting in airports and long-haul flights. And surely no one enjoys shopping anywhere other than Hunting and Fishing.
What is your favourite way of connecting with God?
I haven’t done this for a while, but I used to quite a lot, and that was fishing on Lake Tarawera. The most beautiful and serene of times, and when you get that trout, you are absolutely certain there is a God.
Can you describe a significant moment when you experienced God’s love?
Not long after my father died, many years ago now (30), having a very special moment where with absolute certainty, God reminded me where dad was. Psalm 68…5 God is a father to the fatherless and a defender of widows. Our wedding day and the birth of each of our kids. Hard to trump those moments
What is your favourite thing about the neighbourhood where you live?
The people. Rotorua has so many friendly and interesting people. Where we live, we are close to Lake Rotorua, and we are surrounded by a landscape and activities others flock here to enjoy. Super spoiled.
What do you love most about being Baptist?
The way we value the Bible. Our love for mission. The way we cooperate and share resources and genuinely want to see churches doing well. The freedom to express strongly held opposing views. And together as a church, asking God what we should be doing and trying our best to listen for his voice.
Well said Angus – but tennis can be played for a lifetime and is aerobically superior!!