Respect. Dignity. Value.
belong
Who We Are
Rowan

I was born in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Throughout my childhood I drifted in and out of Sunday Schools, eventually stepping away from the church in my later teens. I committed my life to Jesus when I was 25 after a life-changing encounter with God on the side of the road late one night. It was decision that has led me on an adventure where I have experienced both the highs and lows that this world has to offer, but never without God at my side.
I am a Christian preacher and teacher with 25 years experience and am passionate about using my gifts to help followers of Jesus grow in their faith. I was previously an ordained minister, and now work as an Associate for Discipleship in Ballymena, Northern Ireland.
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Joanne and I have been married since 2000 and we have two daughters. We have moved about a bit, having lived in Ireland and the UK since 2002. We have learnt that sometimes the place that you belong doesn’t always have to be the place that you come from. Growing up in South Africa during Apartheid shaped my belief in the inherent value and dignity of all people. My interests lie in reading, photography, computer games, movies and football.
Joanne

I was born in South Africa and lived there until moving to Ireland, England and then Northern Ireland in 2008. I grew up in a Christian home where my family were actively involved in church. At the aged of 13 years, I committed my life to Christ and have been on a journey with Him where my faith has deepened through both challenges and celebrations. My faith and my experience of life up to now has shaped me into the person I am. I have discovered that my identity and place of belonging is found in my relationship with God and in church community.
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I am a registered counsellor and social worker with over 20 years’ experience. I have a heart for helping and supporting both young people and adults, particularly those who find their mental health challenging. I am passionate about encouraging others by coming alongside them and have a heart for seeing them draw closer to God. My experience is in fostering and adoption, and areas of mental health, including depression, anxiety, self-harm, self-esteem, trauma and substance use.
I love being married to Rowan and a mother to our two daughters. My interests lie in music, reading, computer games, hiking, movies and spending time with my family and friends.