Graduate Updates: Andrew

Monday, 21st March 2022
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Graduate Updates: Andrew Morrow

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hello, my name is Andrew Morrow and I am a recent graduate from the Irish Baptist College, even though that now feels like a lifetime ago! For those who may not know me, I am 23 years old and I am from Peru. I grew up there as a missionary kid and I moved to Northern Ireland five years ago. My first language is Spanish and so it was quite a change when I moved to a country where nobody else spoke it. At that stage I had no idea that God was going to lead me to study theology and to prepare for ministry. However, God was so faithful and guided me down the right path.

 

2) How would you summarise your time at College?

Looking back now, after finishing nearly a year ago, I can appreciate even more how rich and formative my time there was. As I already mentioned, going to College was not my plan. In fact, I had been accepted to study Paramedic Science in Cambridge and this was a dream come true. Yet, when it came to making the decision to leave Northern Ireland, I just knew that I couldn’t leave and that the Lord still had a plan for me here. So now, having stayed for the degree and this time of preparation I can confidently say that it was the best decision I could have ever made after praying and seeking the Lord’s will. Needless to say, my time at College was far from easy; not only was it a challenge academically but also spiritually. Whilst I was learning more and diving deeper into God’s word, I wasn’t just preparing myself to help and guide others, but God was working at moulding and shaping my heart. Being surrounded by classmates and lecturers that understood me and stood by me during this journey was so crucial and necessary as I attempted to write essays and wrestle big theological questions—something I had not really done before.

 

3) Where and how are you serving God now?

After College, my plan was to take a break and not rush into anything. Yet, God had a different, unexpected plan in place and I can’t think of anything I’d rather be doing. Currently, I am working as a local missionary in Belfast as part of a Christian charity called Friends International. My title is ‘International Student’s Ministry Staff Worker in Belfast’, which essentially means that I work with the Christian Unions and local churches on campus to reach international students with the gospel. What this looks like on a day-to-day basis can look different each week. Generally, through a variety of events, Bible studies and mentoring, we seek to share friendship and faith with international students, supporting and encouraging them during their study period. This is such an exciting and strategic way to share the gospel. By engaging with students and sharing about Jesus while they are here, when the time comes for them to move back to their home country, the opportunities for the spread of the gospel in each context are endless.

 

4) Is there one particular aspect of your time at College that better equipped you for where you find yourself now?

My time at College, having learnt how to handle scripture, synthesise my ideas and teach it in an approachable way, was key to shaping the way I serve in ministry today. College really taught me the importance of always investing time and going the extra mile when it comes to preparing to share the wisdom and truths I have learned from God’s word. Whilst working in a busy schedule in full-time ministry or even in a busy job in general, we can easily compromise our time with God or try to find shortcuts, tricking ourselves into thinking it is more efficient. But the truth is, as I sometimes learned the hard way in College, that time in study and meditation in God’s word is so precious, it is not something we can skip. I learned to pray for a heart that is hungry for and dependent on God’s grace and provision, which we can quickly forget when things are going well. Overall, I am so thankful for God leading me to spend time preparing for ministry at the Irish Baptist College and it is a process that continues even though I have left College because we learn more and grow deeper in our love for the Lord each day as we walk with Him. If you are considering going to College, going further in your theological knowledge or thinking of serving in full-time ministry, I strongly encourage you to talk to people that have been through the process themselves. I may not be the best person to talk to but I’m always up for a good cup of coffee if you would like to learn more about my experience and how God really guided me each step of the way even to where I have ended up now.

    Blog Archive

Let’s Read Irish Baptist College Conference (Online) From Intern to Undergraduate (Emily Middleton) Let's Read: The Hole in our Holiness — The Reason for Redemption Baptists and Revival in the Long 18th Century Second Year Placements From Intern to Undergraduate (Josh Brown) Let's Read: The Hole in our Holiness — The What and Why of Holiness Final Year During A Pandemic 2nd Year Placement Experience Friends of the College 2021 Update The Art of Reading More Books Let's Read: The Hole in our Holiness — The Real Possibility of Holiness A Basic Easter Fact The Servant King Podcast Let's Read: The Hole in our Holiness — You Are Holy Third Year Reflection Gospel Guardians: Protecting the Purity of the Gospel for Future Generations Graduation 2021 Book Review: Succeeding at Seminary Let's Read: The Hole in Our Holiness — A Work in Progress Why the Irish Baptist College is Vital to the Health of the Association A Good News Story: The Ministry Partnership Scheme Why Study the Biblical Languages? Profit in Toil: A Short Message on A Level Results Day Let's Read: Small Preaching Recognition Service Report 2021 Sin Forgiven: Nourishment for Life and Joy for Living Let’s Read: Small Preaching—The Character of the Preacher Commencement Service Report Placement Friends of the College Update God Rejoices over His People: A Meditation on Zephaniah 3:17 Let’s Read: Small Preaching—Constructing the Sermon Evangelism Teams: Newcastle and Brannockstown Evangelism Teams: Stonepark and North Belfast Christian Fellowship First Year Reflections (Reuben and Andrew) Some New Books Let’s Read: Small Preaching—The Craft of Preaching Let's Read: Small Preaching—What is God Saying? A Christmas Reflection on John 1 - ‘The coming of the light’ Christmas Reflection on John 1 - ‘Life, Light & Glory’
Time to read Genesis...again Friends of the College - January 2020 Friends of the College - January 2020 Finances Tribute to Marion Craig The Resilient Pastor: Surviving & Thriving in Ministry Just a Blow-in? What is new on the shelves at IBC? Friends of the College - February 2020 Four Reasons to Study Theology Academically From Spain to Moira Testimonial Financial Update Friends of the College – March 2020 Irish Baptist Historical Society: The Mayflower Thomas Patient: the Father of the Irish Baptist Church Testimonials The Pastors’ Conference: An Encouraging Privilege Testimonials (part-time studies) In the worst of times: COVID-19 and the Book of Ruth Friends of the College - April 2020 The Long Wait: Victory Delayed Testimonials - Preparation for Ministry and Evening Classes The Leadership Podcast Testimonials - Ladies Study Fellowship The Leadership Podcast (part 2) Friends of the College - May 2020 Reflections from the Student Chairman Why do we teach the Old Testament? Reflections on first year at IBC Friends of the College - June 2020 Why do we teach Romans? IBC Placement Is Church History a Thing of the Past? Friends of the College - July 2020 Friends of the College – August 2020 Friends of the College September 2020 Recognition and Graduation Service Introducing the Irish Baptist College’s New Logo Commencement Service Friends of the College - October 2020 Filled with the Spirit: Soundings in Luke’s Theology of the Holy Spirit The Famous Five: The Abiding Relevance of the Solas of the Reformation Friends of the College - November 2020 The Importance of Theological Training in Fulfilling the Great Commission First Year Reflections — Tim Houston Singing: The Place of Theology in Corporate Worship New Library Books Friends of the College – Unite to Pray – December Christmas Reflections
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