1. How did you become a Christian?
I grew up in a Christian family and heard the gospel taught regularly at church. When I was 11, I was challenged during an evening service about my need to respond to Christ personally because I was more sinful than I knew and couldn’t clean myself up. I understood then that only Jesus’ sacrifice was sufficient to pay for all my sin, and I repented and expressed my trust in Him alone for salvation. I experienced great joy and assurance in knowing my sin was forgiven forever.
Throughout my teenage years I was discipled by older Christians who taught me to love God’s word and encouraged me as I tried to live for Him. And despite the many, many times I have failed to love Him well, the Lord has been faithful and kind and has never let me down.
2. What lessons have you learnt since that you would want to pass on to a younger Christian version of yourself?
God’s plans are much better than mine. His grace is sufficient for every trial. It’s more important to love well than learn lots (and you never know as much as you think you do!). Life’s too short to hold grudges.
3. How would you describe your prayer life?
I am learning to converse with the Lord throughout the day – delighting with Him about the little things as well as bringing my needs and concerns to Him. The last few years I’ve tried to pause in the middle of the day and praise Him for an aspect of His character – it’s easy for me to forget to do this unless I make a plan!
I’m also trying to pray more with others – it keeps me focused and encourages me to pray ‘bigger’ prayers than I do on my own. I grew up with more of a focus on private prayer, but I’m learning how precious it is to share time with the Lord and His people.
4. Which two or three Christian books apart from the Bible have most influenced your faith?
Knowing God by J.I. Packer; Holiness by J.C. Ryle; You Are What You Love by James K. A. Smith.
5. Who or what have been your biggest Christian influences?
Faithful Bible teachers and pastors (including my husband!); older Christian women who have discipled me; church family members who consistently pray for me; godly friends who call me out on my sin.
6. What are the main challenges you believe Christians face today?
I think they’re mostly the same as they have always been: to love the Lord more than ourselves; to care more about obedience to His word than human approval; to keep an eternal perspective and live in the light of eternal treasure rather than temporary comfort; to believe Jesus’ words are actually true.
7. What encourages and what discourages you?
I’m encouraged by friends who trust and delight in Jesus even as they endure severe trials and suffering. Their example encourages me to persevere and motivates me to pray more. I’m encouraged by new believers who have a hunger to know the Lord through His word. And I’m encouraged by stories of church growth around the world.
I’m discouraged when I hear criticism, gossip and unkind speech among God’s people – we can do better. I’m discouraged when Bible teachers or church leaders distort God’s word and dishonour His image-bearers. I need to remind myself regularly that Jesus is coming back and He will right all wrongs and punish those who have trampled on grace. I’m discouraged by repeating patterns of sin in my own life—and so grateful for the Lord’s patience and grace towards me.
8. What makes you laugh?
My son – he’s hilarious!
9. What would you want to say to the wider evangelical world?
Jesus is coming soon – let’s not be found sleeping.
10. Which Biblical person (other than Jesus) do you most look forward to meeting in glory and why?
Mary of Bethany, Priscilla and Phoebe – women whose priorities were shaped by their passion for Jesus and their commitment to His words and His people.
