Training for Ministry: Hannah’s Story

Growing up in Pinjarra, in a church that emphasised cross-cultural missions, Hannah* saw from a young age the need to take the gospel to all people. Hannah also loved learning languages at school, calling the classes “lots of fun.” After a couple of trips to Southeast Asia, her calling to long-term missions became evident, and she began studying a Master of Divinity at Trinity in 2024 to equip her for the future.

Moving to Perth to study Occupational Therapy (OT) in 2014, Hannah joined the Christian Union at her university. “That’s probably when I realised the centrality of the gospel and clarified some of those key Christian truths. I was baptised in my second year at university,” Hannah shared.

Meeting people from all over the world also broadened Hannah’s horizons. During her time at university, Hannah learned about mission organisation OMF and attended annual conferences, meeting with other Christians considering missions work in East Asia. A three-month mission trip to East Asia in 2018 confirmed Hannah’s passion for overseas ministry, but first she wanted to gain experience working as an OT, developing skills she could later use in the mission field.

After a few years working in Geraldton after her studies, Hannah didn’t feel ready to jump straight into theological study. She undertook OMF’s internship program that allowed her to spend time on the mission field. Hannah spent two years in Southeast Asia before returning to Australia, with her next step studying at Bible college. “The two years reassured me that long-term missions was something that I was still interested in,” she shares.

Originally enrolled in a one-year Graduate Diploma, Hannah was encouraged by lecturers to study a full Master of Divinity. Now a year and a half into her studies, she has grown to appreciate how important a solid theological grounding will be for her future missions work. “It started as a bit of practicality. To become a member of OMF I’d need at least a year’s study. I just trusted that it was a helpful thing to do and then came to appreciate just how helpful it is, and how much I don’t know and want to learn.”

Choosing to study at Trinity Theological College made sense for Hannah, allowing her to spend her remaining time in Australia with her family. But another significant factor was that Mike Webb had joined the college as a Lecturer in Missions. With the addition of new mission-focused units to the curriculum, Hannah could see there was a lecturer with missions experience who could help her apply her studies to future cross-cultural work.

Reflecting on her time so far, Hannah has said that one of the best things about studying at Trinity has been meeting other students who are journeying towards long term mission. “Initially I was maybe concerned that I was just going to be talking with future pastors,” Hannah said, “and I do enjoy talking to future pastors! But it’s different when you’re talking to people who understand the path you’re on.” 

What she is learning at College is also relevant to her church and ministry now. “It’s great being able to apply that knowledge when I’m preparing something Bible-based, like a study or a kids talk.”

While studying, Hannah is attending and serving at a church with a service in the language and culture she hopes to serve in. Hearing the sermon and mingling with others has helped keep her language skills sharp. “I understand more than what I can speak. But I can have everyday sort of conversations and understand particular biblical words and things that you need to explain a Bible story.”

Hannah is still figuring out what her work overseas might look like. But her biggest goal is to be a witness to Jesus in whatever community she ends up being a part of, to make local friends and read the Bible with them. She hopes to continue partnering with Trinity Theological College, as they pray for her and share her updates from overseas.

Studying at Trinity is something Hannah thinks everyone can benefit from. “I think it is really helpful for building foundations and frameworks to help think through how you approach ministry. If you have the opportunity, just do it,” she encourages.

Please pray for Hannah as she completes her studies and prepares for long-term missions. Pray that God will lead and guide her, and open the doors for her to share the gospel. Hannah specifically asks, “Pray I’ll enjoy going even deeper into God’s Word, and for opportunities to feel connected, and for involvement at church that will continue to prepare and equip me for ministry.” 

*Name changed for security