Godwin Chimara, God willing, is to be ordained a deacon for Diocese of Aberdeen and Orkney at St John the Evangelist Church, Aberdeen, at noon on Saturday 23 September 2023. He will serve his Title across two churches in Aberdeen: St John the Evangelist and St James the Less. He will also begin his MA in Contemporary Christian Leadership with SEI, having finished his BA (Hons) in Theology, Ministry and Mission this year. Godwin is a Fluids Engineer, who as left his employment as Team Lead in an International Energy Services Company. Godwin writes,
‘Friday 25 August 2023 was my last day at the organisation that I joined nearly 18 years ago, an organisation that had given me the opportunity to do what I trained for and loved doing, i.e. engineering fluids solutions customised to maximise wellbore value. It was not just a job or career for me: it was a vocation, as I considered it my calling to contribute to energy security and sustainability around the world, and in recent years support the transitioning to cleaner/greener energy. I never knew it was a steppingstone to a higher calling.
My resignation was received by many with shock. As the news spread like wildfire both within the organisation and the wider industry, my inbox was bombarded with goodwill messages. I was really touched when someone spoke to me and said, “I have never been to a church, but I will come looking for you from time to time”.
It was tough to say goodbye. It was very emotional as I handed over my laptop, phone and badge, and walked out of the building for the very last time as an employee of the organisation. I thank the organisation for giving me the opportunity to “live the dream”, and I wish it the very best for the future.
As I now fully turn my attention towards preparations for my ordination and the ministry that lies ahead of me, the words of the “Teacher” come alive to me that “there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” (Ecclesiastes 3.1). As one era comes to an end, another era begins. And as St Paul says in Romans 8.28, “all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose”.
Our God is a mysterious God, who can fathom God? In all of this, God has been diligently working out God’s purpose. I pray for that purpose to be fulfilled in my life and ordained ministry which begins on Saturday 23 September 2023.’
Photo courtesy of Godwin Chimara
