2 1/2 years ago I began my formal study journey towards Aged Care Chaplaincy. It formed a part of my “untouchable” career plan. Well, what can I say but the Lord had other ideas! I can’t help but smile as I read this verse
Proverbs 19:21
Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
It was the Lord’s plan to bring me to St Phil’s ten months ago, and how grateful I am to Him for throwing me this career “curve ball!”
My long-term service as a cross-cultural missionary had been incredibly rewarding. It had made finding another equally rewarding ministry role in Australia a difficult endeavour. That was, until I came to St Phil’s! This role beautifully marries together my great loves of pastoral care, evangelism, prayer, teaching, cross – cultural ministry, welcoming/integrating newcomers and innovation.
Without a doubt, the highlight of the past 10 months for me has been my 1:1 Bible classes with three seekers. One has wonderfully given her life to Christ, and two are still on that journey. I never tire of witnessing the life transforming miracle of Christ’s work of forgiveness in people’s lives! It motivates me each and every day through the pressures, highs, and lows of ministry, and keeps my eyes wide open to the mercies that I myself have received in Christ (Romans 12:1). Other highlights this past year have been establishing a new Women’s Bible study group, working to elevate our corporate prayer life through the introduction of the prayer guide for our prayer leaders, and the VKP prayer room during the July school holidays. Our first “Hope Beyond a Blue Christmas” service and “Plugged In” -our newcomers welcoming events were also special things to be involved in, as we sought to meet some of the pastoral care needs of our hurting and new church family members.
A special thanks to all of you who have welcomed me so warmly into the St Phil’s family, to those of you who have allowed me the privilege of companioning with you through the ups and downs of your lives, to our wonderful, committed and unified staff team, to Bruce for his unending support, trust in me, and giving me ministry “wings to fly,” and to our great God whom I am so humbled and grateful to serve. Bring on 2023! I’m so excited to see what God does in us and through us to extend His Kingdom!