Imagine 2012 @ Worldview
It’s the start of something different for the 17 new students who have arrived at Worldview to study in 2012. So who are they and why have they come?
Introducing… Aaron and Rachael (from Perth, WA)
Aaron: I was born into a Christian community (but) I found it tough living in the world. The truck mechanic trade is hard and the world isn’t always a great role model for handling those stresses. Then I came to the conclusion that if the worldly traits kept going on, I could lose God. That was enough to motivate me to rely on God as opposed to the way of the world.
Rachael: I grew up in a Christian family and made a commitment when I was six years old. In high school I went through a phase where I was trying to work out what relationship I had with God, and if I actually wanted one. I made a recommitment in 2001 and got baptised in 2002.
Aaron: I have a growing passion for talking to men about their faith. (In the past) I didn’t want to talk about God because I was scared of being laughed at, but then I had the realisation that the world depends on me to be Christ-like. How can they see if I don’t show them?
Rachael: I believe the great commission is for all Christians. It is an active instruction to ‘go’. I went on a mission trip to Thailand when I was about 22 and I got quite upset and started crying when I saw the masses devote their lives to Buddhism and knowing they don’t know Jesus.
Aaron: I absolutely believe the Bible is a mandate for all Christians to be willing to go to the ends of the earth for God in order to preach the truth. I have a strong desire to learn and want to do more missional-type courses.
Rachael: In 2011 we both became increasingly restless and discontent with just living our lives and suppressing the call God has placed on our hearts. So we made the decision to sell the house, quit the job and do Bible college full time. When we did this we felt so at peace, happy and excited!
Introducing… Ray and Estelle (from Brisbane, QLD)
Estelle: I was eight years old when I opened up my heart to God, repented of my sin, and asked him to save me. Ray wasn’t a Christian when I met him but after a few months of going to church and attending a crusade he gave his life to Christ and we married a few months later.
Ray: God called me to mission involvement in 1985.
Estelle: God had been speaking to Ray about missionary service but I was feeling settled in our home and wasn’t too interested in moving. We often had missionaries come to stay so I felt I was doing my part. That was until God spoke to me about my disobedience. (He) used 1 Samuel 16:22-23 and I was convicted; I repented and told God I was ready to do His will for my life. The next day I was reading Acts 1 when the Holy Spirit challenged me and I immediately felt free to give up all the things I was holding onto.
Ray: Estelle and I attended Bible college and in 1992 we moved to Zimbabwe as church planters. In 1997 we moved on to Papua New Guinea. We returned to Australia in 2000. (Now) I feel the need to re-orientate and refocus toward mission by completing a year of study.
Estelle: I have had this yearning for something more in my life, and Ray has also felt God’s leading back into mission work. Gradually God has been unfolding his plan for us and we feel the next step to take is study at Worldview before recommencing work as full-time missionaries.