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 Samuel Schuurman, a Baptist chaplain in the Royal New Zealand Air Force.
What is something you think everyone should experience at least once in their life?
Having their feet' skin nibbled by those little fish in Japan. Can't say I've done it, but it's on my bucket list!
If you could be a pro at any one thing, what would it be?
A pro sky-diver. Imagine being paid to jump out of aircraft all day, every day!!
What is a random interest that has completely nothing to do with your study or work?
I make cheese. You name a cheese; I've likely made it!
What is the oddest fact you know?
That a mother's chest regulates its temperature when a newborn baby is lying on it to keep the baby at the right temp – isn't God's creation amazing!!!
What is the most boring thing you've ever done?
Nothing. (I'll let you interpret what I mean by that).
What is your favourite way of connecting with God?
Listening to audio books (generally written by Puritans) while driving through the hills.
Can you describe a significant moment when you experienced God's love?
Yes, randomly, when I was driving home from work one day when I was about 20 – I just had the most overwhelming experience of God's love like I'd never felt before. I remember weeping with a deep sense of joy and warmth! It's happened since, not nearly as frequently as I'd like or to quite the same intensity, but it's always amazing and often quite unexpected! Interesting how 'car travel' features in my faith story. Perhaps the car is the new 'prayer closet'!!!
What is your favourite thing about the neighbourhood where you live?
That it's remarkably safe! And most of the neighbours actually know each other. Perhaps that's because it's Defence Force housing!!
What do you love most about being Baptist?
That, for the most part, we are Bible-centered people.
