Meet our interns: Matthew Milliken
Sitting here at my desk in my home in Comber, it is hard to fully comprehend that in a matter of weeks from now, I will be ordained as a deacon in God's church. It is an awesome privilege, and I feel a great sense of anticipation as I prepare to take this step of ordination in my journey of following Jesus.
I first sensed God calling me towards this path in my early twenties whilst at university in Liverpool. I sometimes joke that it took me to do a Geography degree to figure out where God was leading me in my life, but what was clear however was that God had ignited a passion in me to serve him. Back then in answering God’s call, I felt a bit like Peter stepping out of the boat - unsure fully of what was going to happen and what the future would bring. Yet, as I looked ahead then and as I continue to look ahead now, this gospel encounter reminds me that Jesus is always present with us. When we look to him, he gives us his strength and guidance for all that lies before us.
Before beginning training, I worked as a Postman in East Belfast and an Outreach Worker / Pastoral Assistant at St. Jude’s, Belfast. A few weeks before my ordination, another significant moment in my life will have taken place - getting married to Lisa. I know the Lord has blessed me greatly by sending her into my life, and who will be a great source of support to me.
We’re extremely excited about going to Shankill Parish where I’ll be during my deacon year. It’s not a part of our wee country I am familiar with, but where I look forward to seeing and experiencing God at work in new and amazing ways in the lives of his people and in the community of Lurgan.