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I joined the RAF and became a photographic interpreter

My Bible: reasons to believe in the power of the Bible

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‘I joined the RAF and became a photographic interpreter, where you analyse photographs taken by aircraft. I was posted to an intelligence unit and had gone from being in the valleys of South Wales to working in this strange environment. 

‘Within six months I was seeing secret documents, confidential documents and top-secret documents on a daily basis. It was a very stressful environment. I developed PTSD because of the nature of the job. 

‘I was interested in Christianity, but I didn’t know much about it. But I knew Philippians 4.6–7. I think my grandfather had quoted it to me. It says, “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

‘I couldn’t go to a doctor or a hospital because of the nature of my work – it was forbidden – so I was left to my own devices. That verse made me turn to God and look to him for help, where I couldn’t see any other form of help. 

‘It wasn’t a panacea. I have been stuck with PTSD for donkeys’ years, but it gave me a belief that there was somebody who could intercede on my behalf and could just carry me through this difficult time.’

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