In 1954 Bernard became a Christian when Billy Graham came to England to hold a series of crusades at Harringay, London. From that point on, Bernard studied the Bible and preached the Gospel in many churches as a layman. He took over the Sunday School and Crusader meetings at Milstead Street Elim Church and also at Clapham Elim Church. During the war Bernard was in the Navy. After the war he went into insurance for many years. Finally he became a Primary School teacher. Bernard's hobbies were stamp collecting, travelling, football, cricket, boxing, writing, and photography.