Annette's Story
A few years ago, however, she began to feel like she had become stagnant in her relationship with God. Annette's heart was open, yet she couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more for her. That's when it hit her. She had a yearning to go to Bible college. But how could a mum of four, working for a physiotherapist and serving as a youth group and children's leader, possibly find regular enough gaps in her life for Bible college?
That's when Annette learned of Mary Andrews College.
Annette shares, "I found that Mary Andrews College was suited to busy mothers who have to fit everything in. I went fortnightly and in school terms. I found that I really looked forward to my lectures.
Finally after seven years of being a student, a wife, and a mother to my four girls, I finished. I actually graduated!
As I look back now I can see that I had so much on my plate, so much to deal with, so much to do…BUT I am so glad that I did it, I am so thankful to God for helping me get through."
Annette had never aspired to being academic. When she was young and at school she focused largely on her social network rather than learning and passing exams. As she grew up Annette rebelled, deciding she wanted to do things her own way and found herself pregnant at nineteen. But our God operates in grace, putting his favour on any who seek him. Speaking about her time in Bible College, Annette recently said, "I have been blown away with the way God has used me. He had it all planned before I knew what to ask for."
In her last year of study she began work at Heathcote / Engadine Baptist Church (HEBC) where she now teaches the children, sometimes up to 180 of them, who come through the door each week and during the holiday program, QClub.
Mary Andrews College not only equipped Annette, it also gave her the confidence to share the gospel. When asked which subjects she enjoyed most she said, "Studying Apologetics has really been a great help when talking to people from other religions. When people question me about what I believe, I feel more confident when I answer them.
"Church History was the best as I now have a firm understanding of how the church has evolved, and also understand what the giants of our faith went through in seeking and standing up for the truth.
You think you know your Bible, you think you know all about Christianity, you know all the right words, but when you go to Bible college you find out you don't know as much as you thought you did. Then you realise there is so much more to learn. God, and Mary Andrews College, gave me a great start to doing this."
Annette studied amongst young women, wives, mothers, grandmothers and professional women. All of them were able to design their course of study in a way that suited their life needs and those of their families.
At Mary Andrews College we acknowledge the reality of the many commitments which women like Annette have outside their studies, so we endeavour to make their course of study structured to be compatible with those many demands. And, just like Annette, they become women who influence this and the next generation for Christ.
Go back to the Inspiring Stories of Students page to read other stories.