Rev Ralph is our new curate here is his contribution to our series on call and Vocation.
In 2010, after returning from a mandatory national youth service program required for all young graduates in the country of my birth, I planned to embark on a professional career in administration, aiming to build a solid profile for myself. During this period, I became a member of the youth group at my local church and began volunteering, eventually becoming a volunteer leader supporting the presiding Chaplain.
Tragically, the presiding youth Chaplain died in a car crash, which dealt a massive blow to the faith of our young members. This devastating event challenged me, as a leader, to provide comfort and support to the group in the absence of our key figure. This period was a faith-challenging phase in my life, filled with questions about the loss of our cleric that seemed to have no answers. However, it was also during this time that I realised my compassion for people and my growing heart for service. I developed a passion for expressing the love of God through my understanding of the Scriptures and a desire to increase in the knowledge of His will.
I have since felt a profound and unique call to ministry, which has grown stronger through prayer, reflection, and the affirmation of my Christian faith. This calling is rooted in a deep desire to spread the gospel and teachings of Jesus Christ, serve others, and make a meaningful impact on individuals and the broader community. My journey has been marked by pivotal experiences of faith, the realities of Scripture, and answered prayers, leading to aligning sequences of life-changing events and an increased awareness of the transformative power of God’s love and grace.
My faith journey reflects a deep commitment to understanding and living out Christian principles. Through dedicated study of Scripture and teachings, I strive to embody a vibrant and robust faith, drawing inspiration from Ephesians 4:13, which speaks of “the unity of faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” This verse, in which Paul encourages both the faith community at Ephesus and believers today, to strive to become more like Christ, has shaped my desire to reveal the Son of God even more through my ministry.