‘I grew up in a Christian home and attended a Baptist church from the age of six. During these years, Christianity made an impression on me to the point where I reformed my life and even got baptized. Sadly, this was only external compliance and it wasn’t until several years later while reading Martyn Lloyd Jones’ commentary on justification I realised I never had a personal relationship with Christ. Consequently, I trusted Him as my Saviour and my heart was filled with peace.
I met my wife Jodie at the church I grew up in. Her family started to attend and Jodie and I felt a kindred spirit between us as soon as we met. We married two years later and our love for each other continues to mature.
We now have three sons. Samuel is the oldest and he is nine years old. He has a wonderful imagination, enjoys table tennis and is progressing well in his piano lessons. Christian is eight years old and is full of energy. He has weekly swimming lessons at 6 in the morning and is very helpful around the house. Both attend Kangaroo Ground Primary school.
Taylor is five and attends the preschool next to the school. Although cheeky, he is very loving, and for his age has exceptional skills in tennis, being able to accurately hit a forehand and backhand over the net.
Before Bible college, I worked at Target for 15 years as a customer assistant. It was a monotonous job but enabled me to develop character and share my faith. During this time, I undertook a Christian Workers certificate and I also studied at the Australian Catholic University to be a qualified teacher aide.
My time at the Presbyterian Theological College has been a very well-rounded experience. My spiritual life was always nourished through fellowship, prayer groups and chapel services. My critical thinking skills were certainly enhanced by always interacting with several scholars to complete my essays.
At the end of many lectures and rigorous study, I believe I now possess a much more fully developed and richer theology. There were not many lowlights, but if I had to pick one it would be the strain and toll that study and ministry puts on family life. However, my family have been very gracious and patient with me and thankfully I have learnt since then to cultivate a healthier balance between the two.
I could not have chosen a better place than Kangaroo Ground (KGPC) to begin pastoral ministry. The congregation at KGPC has made us feel very welcome in many ways and our hearts have been touched by their love. The surrounding rural area is also stunning and my three young sons have certainly enjoyed the extra space to roam around and explore their sense of adventure. My sons all ride their bikes to school and church on Sunday mornings and have made several friends at the Wycliffe campus. Consequently, it hasn’t been difficult for my family to embrace the area and the church as our new spiritual home.
I truly believe KGPC has great potential to grow spiritually and numerically, and we have already seen some growth since moving here. It is my desire to reach out to the children in the local area. KGPC is strategically located to achieve this, being both opposite a school, and 200 metres away from Wycliffe. I plan on starting an after-school and holiday club activity programme when we have the resources.’
