Chris Lane

I was a believer in the power of positive thinking until God showed me His face in 1982 when life was bringing me to my knees.

In the earlier years of my Christian walk , I  always  had a “Doubting Thomas-like” faith. But whenever I’ve asked God to help show me the way, and make his presence obvious, he has and so often in ways that seem miraculous.  I have constantly asked  myself: “Why me?  Why has God seen it fit to honour me in this way?”. "I really do not know, but I am grateful that he has.”

In building my club at Woking  there were some  major setbacks and many many challenges, but  without any question God and I overcame them together.

I also  took a Christian Minister  called Tim Perry  into the business to help with developing its Christian and pastoral  aspect with Club and Green Team  members . For example, we were the first sports club in the world to run an Alpha Course – you can imagine the letters from members, such as “We thought we’d joined a leisure club!”

It became very successful and eventually I sold it to Whitbreads , a PLC  who owned the David Lloyd Clubs . See the story ” An offer out of the blue ” .

But there was a period just a few years ago after I’d sold the club when I took my eyes off God. I thought I had it cracked it and focused on my wealth too much. I stopped depending on Him and  I thought I could walk on water  .

I made decisions about another business project  without really  asking and listening to  his advice , heard what I wanted to hear  I suppose , certainly did not do the market research that I should of  and subsequently  the venture failed.

Happens apparently to a lot of successful business people after  a particularly successful deal when they think that they have The Midas Touch !

Many times when I’ve prayed to God for guidance, or to let me know he’s really looking after me, things have happened – unexpected and sometimes outlandish things – which can’t be put down to coincidence. But they’ve provided answers that were spot on! To read about some of these experiences, click the link at the bottom of this page.

I’ve been blessed – but why me? Why give these experiences to such an insignificant human being in the great scheme of things?

Honestly, I have no idea. Maybe God will show me in the future what He wants me to do with it all. But at present I am still very much a “work in progress”.

Watch this space!