IT WAS THROUGH THE BLESSING OF A PRIEST THAT I FIRST BEGAN TO ENCOUNTER GOD
When I reflect on my faith journey so far, I am incredibly moved by the unconditional love God has for me, and for the blessings he graced my life with to make me the person I am today. Four years ago I didn’t know this kind of love.
I could never feel God around me, encouraging me to pursue a path of holiness. It was through the blessing of a priest that I first began to encounter God and realise the plans he had for me. Fr Chukwudi Chinaka, and many priests, showed me what it was to be the hands and feet of Christ. Through their ministry, I saw the face of Christ and felt God beckoning me.
After a life-changing experience at World Youth Day Poland 2016, I couldn’t deny God’s call any longer and made the choice to always desire a life of faithfulness and to glorify God’s kingdom. I was then blessed to step into the role of Youth Coordinator of The Hive in the Ipswich Catholic Community, where we endeavour to provide opportunities for young people to encounter Christ. I also decided to study a Bachelor of Theology to deepen my understanding of the faith.
I was enjoying ministry and my faith when the question of my vocation was proposed to me: “Where do you think God is calling you?” Now that I had accepted Jesus into my life, and trusted in his will and plans for me, where was he actually calling me? Had I given God the chance to show me where he wants me to be? I decided to pursue some spiritual direction. I soon realised something: God’s timing is perfect. I didn’t need to decide then and there. I needed to be patient.