We are looking forward to meeting together tomorrow night around the word as Heather Holdsworth shares with us aboutGod's guidance. For those of you who don't know Heather... here are a few questions to help us get to know her better!
Hi Heather... So, most importantly, how did you become a Christian?
I was born in Africa and introduced to Jesus very early. I spent a bit of time trying to be nice enough to count in God’s faith community. I finally understood that he wasn’t impressed with my careful mask. He saw me for who I was, had compassion on me and knew the way to set me free from all the trappings.
A word to describe my first encounter with God – Astonishment.
And a cake to describe the journey since then – Rocky Road! Rich, bumpy, sweet, and sometimes you think you’re on a rock, but it’s a marshmallow! Here endeth the Will.i.am metaphors!
What verses have been particularly important to you in your life?
Zephaniah 3v17 “The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” So many verbs – so much action that God is taking.
And for the last 17 years especially, the verses inscribed in our wedding rings:
Psalm 33v18-22 “But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.May your unfailing love be upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you.”
There’s action on both sides here – ours and his. It’s a two way street!
Tell us about a book you’ve read recently that really encouraged you?
Calvin & Hobbes ‘Revenge of the Monster Snow Goons’ – uplifting! Funny :o) I especially like when Hobbes turns into a soft toy.
‘Longing for God’ Richard Foster’s take on spirituality through the eyes of 1st to 21st century people who rejected surface spirituality and went in search of depth
Aside from the bible, what’s your favourite book?
There are many as I read a lot for my job. Insightful writing is a magnet, I was stirred by ‘The Cloud of Unknowing’; Amy Carmichael for 20th Century fervour by Kenneth Boa
What’s your favourite Christian song or hymn so readers can listen while they read on?
Tis Finished the Messiah dies – amazing!!
Behold our God - is a great newish one
The women at Carrubbers all lead very different lives, what are you usually doing at 2pm on Wednesday?
I am usually in my office while a student is dusting or sorting or organising around me and we’re chatting away! Wednesday from 2-4pm is OTS (Opportunity to Serve) in the Bible College where I teach.
What’s a day in your life usually look like?
My days are fairly timetabled as I work in a Bible College.
Monday: Faculty meetings and discipling as lectures take place in the evenings
Tuesday: I’ll be teaching modules in Spiritual Formation and Discipleship and perhaps doing some graphics work or writing for short publications
Wednesday is our prayer and worship morning from 9.30-12ish, afternoons are varied
Thursday is generally a reading day – offsite preparation for lecturing
Friday: Lecturing again.
Saturday final prep for Sunday School and hopefully a little time off for an outing in the afternoon
Could you share a piece of advice you wished you had worked out earlier?
‘It’s what you say no to that will define your ministry.’
I always thought it was what you said yes to.
What kind of legacy would you like to leave behind?
A legacy of disciples of Jesus who are convinced by him, vulnerable with him and are compassionate, compassionate, compassionate. God has given us spiritual kids, not biological ones. This is what I would like for the ‘kids’ God has sent our way.
What plans/ hopes do you have for the future?
That would be telling!
Thanks Heather, Looking forward to seeing those of you who can make it out tomorrow night.
