Following God’s Call: Aksel Wesley’s Story

Aksel Wesley spent most of his childhood in Mount Barker, about 50km from Albany. In 2023, he moved to Perth and, after a few months of finding his feet, began an online internship with his parents’ church, Albany Baptist. After completing the internship, Aksel felt called to keep pursuing theological study and has now finished his Diploma of Theology at Trinity.

“I grew up in a Christian home, but it was really towards the end of high school that I started taking it seriously. And then even more so once I moved out of home and moved to Perth at the start of 2023. I really was forced to take it seriously because mum and dad weren’t there to take me to church, I had to drive myself. It was in that year after being in Perth that I decided to get baptised. I went back down to Albany and dad baptised me which was really nice.”

Aksel’s dad completed ministry training at Trinity when Aksel was young and went on to become a pastor. As Aksel considered his own future, he often reflected on his upbringing: “I definitely enjoyed my dad’s insight and him being a good example for me for what it means to really live for the Lord.”

After finishing his ministry internship, Aksel chose to enrol at Trinity. He explains, “I was talking to dad about it and he encouraged that Trinity is theologically solid, and he knows a bunch of people that also studied at the college.”

As he wraps up his year at college, Aksel has greatly appreciated the community, “Something that stood out early on and has stayed consistent throughout my time is the community aspect. Having a group of people that I fundamentally know, in every conversation and interaction, are looking out for me, wanting what’s best for me, and are actively showing God’s love in how they present themselves. It’s encouraged me to do the same thing in my circles as well.”

“The staff have also been super encouraging. I’ve got a good relationship with them and it feels like they actually care for me and care about what they are teaching me. I found that really helpful.”

This year has stretched and shaped Aksel in many ways, especially in how he approaches others and his faith. “I’ve been challenged to be more considerate in how I present myself and being present with other people. Also, the more you read your Bible the closer you are to God. So to focus for the better part of a year on that, I learned a lot about God. I learned a lot about the Bible and if you’re learning about God, you’re growing closer to him. It has really helped in how I interact with people, and how I view God as well.”

He reflects and encourages others that are interested in pursuing study, “Trinity has a really strong community, solid theological teaching, and you just have a really good time. There’s a big need for pastors. And I think like if you can do it, you want to do it, and there’s a need for it, like why not?”

Aksel has been accepted as an apprentice with the Ministry Training Strategy (MTS) next year with his church, Providence City Church. The two-year program will see him continue studying part-time at Trinity, with plans to return full-time to complete his Bachelor of Theology afterwards.

Please pray for Aksel as he begins his apprenticeship and returns to study. Pray for continued growth and guidance as he takes his next steps, and that he can apply what he’s learned this year throughout his life.