Heather's Story


On 4 March 2011 we held our graduation ceremony in the Chapter House at St Andrew's Cathedral. Rev. Jackie Stoneman asked Diploma of Theology graduate Heather Swart about her time at Mary Andrews College.

Jackie: Tell me a little about your journey.
Heather: I was 16 when I started studying at Mary Andrews College and they had to get special permission for me to be a full-time student. I'm married now, teach Scripture and would love to write a book for teenagers about the plan God had during Old Testament times as He prepared the way for Jesus.

J: Why did you decide to study here?
H: As a child I had a suspicion that there was treasure in Christ that I couldn't yet see. My mum and her friends had done some Mary Andrews College subjects and spoke highly of them and I believed that Mary Andrews College would help me find that treasure.

J: What did you learn through the course?
H: I learned to allow the Bible to interpret itself. Through church history I saw how whole groups within wider Christianity (nations, even) had become apostate due largely to poor biblical interpretation. But God's word is our guide for correct thinking.

J: Tell us about your decision to become a Christian while studying at Mary Andrews College.
H: I always thought I was a Christian but, during my studies at Mary Andrews College, I realised that merely knowing about God was not enough. At one time in 2007 I was in hospital and the Lord showed me that
there was only one way. It involved leaving everything behind and unquestionably following Him. I received Jesus Christ and the change in me is evidence of His working.

J: How do you feel after graduating recently?
H: I miss studying and the discussions in class. I have a strange habit now of reading Bible commentaries cover to cover just for fun. I am very excited that I can use what I've been given for the Kingdom of our God.

J: How are you hoping that God will use the things you've studied?
I have a passion to teach how the Old Testament is very relevant to our faith in Christ today. I have a particular love for teens, and so I hope that, by opening the Bible with them and sharing the story of salvation, lives will be gained for the Kingdom.

J: What are you doing now to impact lives based on what you learned?
H: I'm part of a high school Inter School Christian Fellowship (ISCF) ministry, leading teen girls. My personal testimony can be quite powerful, but the Bible gives much greater testimony to the character of God. So opening the Bible and sharing how God has been faithful since creation has had the greatest impact on the girls.