Muz’ Testimony

A Life of Hurt

From as far back as I can remember, right through into my late 30’s, life hasn’t exactly been easy for me.

There were plenty of rough patches – There was run-ins with the police, out-of-control binge drinking by 17, addiction to tranquillisers in my 20’s (due to severe anxiety), excessive smoking, a broken marriage, lost loves, lost jobs, lost friends (to RTA’s).

Then there’s my health which hasn’t been great either: My early child months were plagued with ill health and hospital visits. I damaged my lower spine and neck as a young child (which still hurts), 3 Heart attacks (2 of which where consecutive), Occupational Asthma, Hypertension, Deafness, Memory issues, and more recently an Aortic Aneurysm (2026) and something else!

But it hasn’t all been bad

I’ve also had some genuinely good times and things I’m proud of: My first job as an Apprentice Motorcycle Mechanic. Enlisting in the Royal Artillery. Marriage to my first wife (T-C), Cub Scout leader at St Peter’s Air Scouts (Peterborough). I served for 10 years (last position as 2nd Coxswain) with the Mundesley Inshore Lifeboat (North Norfolk). I worked as a Mustard Flour Miller for 14 years (Norwich). I taught basic motorcycle mechanics to young teenagers who were in trouble, alongside Norfolk Constabulary and Norfolk PACT (Partners Against Crime Taskforce). I volunteered as an ambulance driver for St Raphael’s charity (Norwich).

Through all the ups and downs, one thing still amazes me – I’m alive, mobile, and I’ve still got a few marbles left upstairs. (For those who are not familiar with this English phrase, it means I still have a few little brain cells left in my head – or as Poirot would say – “Les petites cellules grises, n’est-ce pas?”)

Since I gave my life to Jesus, I have met my wife Sarah at our local Methodist church, and we have the most amazing, talented daughter, Grace (see what I did there – Amazing Grace – sorry). I had the honour of baptising my daughter with my friend & Minister, Rev Nigel Fox – honestly, the best friend I’ve ever had (since the death of Mick-S). I still ride, although this bike will probably be my last one, or the death of me – maybe both at the same time!

But in reality, all the above is nothing, because of the most important thing – Jesus saved me.

This is how it went down…

Stepping back in time a little, one of the biggest turning points came after I’d attended the BMF Rally at the East of England Showground. On the second morning, I was walking through the tents and came across some of the CMA lads, who invited me into their display marquee.

They made me a lovely cuppa, offered me breakfast and we had a friendly, non-committal chat. I gave them my number and they gave me the number for the guy at the Norwich CMA group. I went back to my tent and started packing my gear to ride back to Norfolk, later that morning.

Here’s the strange bit.

They’d given me the number of a guy called “Jingles”, the local rep for Norfolk CMA, but I’d never got-a-round to calling him. It was ages since this had all happened, so I basically forgot. Then, during a particularly rough “black dog” time – feeling depressed and anxious – I finally decided I’d call him for a chat.

As God is my witness, just as I reached for the phone… it started ringing!

Yep, you got it – it was Jingles. That’s what I call “divine intervention.”

Jingles brought me under the wing of the Norwich CMA, then later took me to my local Methodist church and introduced me to Rev John Peters. For a while, he and his wife rode with me to church until they felt I was settled enough to go on my own – no backup.

Raised Up by Grace

But I’ll tell you this. I didn’t come to Christ because I was strong. I came because I was broken.

Like a lot of people who love the open road, I once thought freedom meant independence, toughness, and loyalty to brotherhood and sisterhood. But no matter how many miles I rode or how strong those bonds felt, something was always missing in my life.

Jesus didn’t meet me when I had it all together – He met me when I finally let go.

That’s the night, alone in my flat, that I picked up the small bible Jingles had given me – a King James Version (KJV). I held it tight, I trembled & shook like crazy, then I started to cry, uncontrollably. Through the sobs, chest heaving, I prayed to Jesus and asked for His help. Then I heard a voice in my head, it said – “You have found the one true love, follow me” – and I was given this verse – Psalm 23

The LORD is my shepherd. He gives me everything I need. He lets me lie down in fields of green grass. He leads me beside quiet waters. He gives me new strength. He guides me in the right paths for the honour of His name. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid. You are with me. Your shepherds rod and staff comfort me. You prepare a feast for me right in front of my enemies. You pour oil on my head. My cup runs over. I am sure your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life. And I will live in the house of the LORD for ever. (Psalm 23 NIrV)

The Gospel confronted my sin, my pride, and my need to rely on myself. I learned that salvation isn’t earned or negotiated – it’s a gift, received through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Through His mercy, I was forgiven, restored, and given a new purpose. Amen.

The Call to Raise Up the Saints

Raise Up the Saints (aka RUTS) came much later in my Christian life, from a burden placed on my heart – a desire to see non-believers move past surface-level faith and into real, obedient discipleship. Not just believing, but truly following.

This RUTS Ministry exists to boldly proclaim Christ, disciple faithfully, and reach people who are often overlooked – specifically within biker culture. Brotherhood and sisterhood matter, but Christ must always come first.

Faith on the Road

Over the years, riding has taught me discipline, humility, and respect for the journey. Faith works much the same way. Following Christ isn’t a short or easy ride – it’s a lifelong one, marked by endurance, obedience, grace… and plenty of surprises along the way.

I stand on the truth of Scripture, the power of the Gospel, and the hope found only in Jesus Christ.

If you’re searching, struggling, or standing at a crossroads, know this: Christ calls sinners, not the righteous. He restores what’s broken and raises up saints for His glory.

Peace be with you – Muz.

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me – Galatians 2:20