Being Equipped to Serve

By Luke Andrew

My family has been one of the greatest influences in shaping my character and deepening my walk with Christ. I come from a long line of pastoral families beginning with my great-grandfather, who used his printing press to produce and distribute gospel tracts. This legacy continued through my grandfather, my father, and even my brother, […]

My family has been one of the greatest influences in shaping my character and deepening my walk with Christ. I come from a long line of pastoral families beginning with my great-grandfather, who used his printing press to produce and distribute gospel tracts. This legacy continued through my grandfather, my father, and even my brother, all of whom have faithfully served in pastoral ministry. Growing up in such a Christ-centered environment deeply shaped my understanding of servant leadership, generous giving, faithfulness, and the fruit of the Spirit.

My father showed me what it means to be a loving and responsible father and husband, and my mother modeled the same devotion and strength. They both demonstrated servant-hearted faithfulness in our family life and in ministry. Growing up with my brothers, we had our fair share of arguments, as siblings do, but one thing we were taught and practiced faithfully was reconciliation. We never allowed a day to end without making peace. Even when one of us was right, we were still willing to say sorry for our words or tone, because love and unity mattered more than being right. Faith in Christ was not just something we talked about; it was something we lived out together.

I am truly blessed to come from a loving, caring, and faithful family who have served Christ through both joyful and difficult seasons. Our home has always been filled with daily devotions, praise, and thanksgiving, regardless of the suffering or challenges we faced. And it was through the trials, temptations, and suffering that our family endured, that Christ became more than a figure in the Bible- he became my Friend, my Shepherd, and my loving, caring Father.

In addition, my faith has continued to grow through the ministry experiences I have had. Time and again, I have seen how God has guided us and answered our prayers, confirming His presence and faithfulness in very real and personal ways. All of this has led me to become a committed disciple of Jesus.

Your financial support is enabling me to study for a Bachelor of Theology (BTh) through Australian Lutheran College (ALC). Although I have served in the church my entire life, I never initially wanted to pursue theological studies. Like Jonah, I was reluctant to follow God’s call. But God continued to patiently extend His calling to me, and I could not ignore it any longer.

What brings me joy is serving others, whether it is helping, encouraging, or nurturing people in their faith and daily lives. I find deep fulfilment in serving the church, being actively involved in the community, and helping plan for the growth of the church and the expansion of God’s mission. Being part of what God is doing in His Church brings me lasting joy and purpose. Many of my pastor friends encouraged me to study, often telling me that I have a deep care for people, a heart for helping others, and a spirit of humility in serving and nurturing. Over time, I began to see what they saw, and more importantly, I began to see what God was showing me.

One of the key reasons I chose to study theology was because of the growing need in our church for well-trained pastors. There is a significant shortage of pastors, and I believe that deepening my understanding through Lutheran theological studies will equip me to serve more effectively.

Please pray for my studies- that I may grow in knowledge, wisdom, and spiritual maturity during this time of learning. Pray also for the ministry which the Federation of Lutheran Churches in Myanmar member churches are involved with in Myanmar, that God would continue to strengthen His Church there and provide for the needs of His people.

Most importantly, please ask the Holy Spirit to guide me throughout this study period, preparing and shaping me for whatever He has planned next in my life and ministry. I deeply desire to follow His leading with faith and obedience.


If you would like to know more about opportunities to personally support a scholarship recipient in your congregation during their stay in Australia, or ways in which you can financially and prayerfully support LCA International Mission’s scholarship program, you are invited to phone LCA International Mission on (08) 8267 7316 or email lcaim@lca.org.au

Read more stories about LCA International Mission scholarship recipients at https://www.lcamission.org.au/category/stories/scholarships/

Share this Post!

About the Author : Erin Kerber


0 Comment
LCA International Mission