GREETINGS! It is so good to be writing to you – my first article since arriving in St Austell nearly four months ago to take on the role of vicar of the parish here. It’s been a wonderful adventure so far. I’m so grateful for the wonderful people of the churches here, and of the town and surrounding villages. One of the things both Lydie and I experienced straightaway was people’s warmth and kindness. It’s easy to feel at home when you receive a proper Cornish welcome!

The decision to move our family and minister in this place really comes down to the faith my wife and I have in the goodness of God. Our desire is – to quote the Bible – “to earnestly seek him”. For us, in this season, that looks like giving him our hearty “yes” when he calls.

The passage from which that quote is taken is an interesting one. It’s from Hebrews 11:6: “And without faith it is impossible to please the Lord, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

I find this verse hugely challenging and encouraging as a definition of faith. What does faith mean to you?

It’s probably not too hard to conceive of faith as “believing that God exists”. How about believing that he “rewards those who earnestly seek him”, though?

I sometimes find the idea that God wants to “reward” me quite discomforting because I don’t usually feel that I could be worthy of such a gift. Who am I before God, after all? And yet this is right at the heart of the Christian faith: God welcomes everyone who want to come to him and gives all who believe in him the right to become his children through Jesus Christ (John 1:12).

That’s some reward. Even though we are, ultimately, unworthy of such a reward, it’s a gift God gives freely to those who want to receive it. I pray that you will know his love in all you do. And until we meet, every blessing!

Jonathan Huff

Vicar, St Austell Parish