We are continuing the series of stories celebrating our soon-to-be Reverends from our Caleb Stream as we head towards their ordination on Sunday. Today's story comes from Sue Tresman.
How was Sue called?
Although my parents were not active church members, I was baptised as an infant and a Sunday School attendee. Joining a brand-new Church of England Primary School, built on the very road on which I lived, sparked something very special about my faith in Jesus and which remains an undiluted and influential moment in my life.
Church Youth Club followed and occasional attendance at the Christian Union at university. It was not until my early 30s that a very significant event and encounter set me on the path to knowing Jesus in a personal relationship. I was visited by an angel, I firmly believe, in the most challenging of circumstances, evidencing God’s faithfulness and love in my life’s journey.
Much later in life, I felt it was very important to be confirmed, and participating in the Diocese of Guildford’s Lent Course in 2024 compelled me to explore what my calling to serve the Lord could be. I thought God was calling me to ordained ministry, but I questioned how this could possibly be when I was already beyond usual retirement age!
And then I was introduced to the Caleb stream through my Rector, the first ever cohort of participants to join a programme run by the Diocese of Guildford. Everything made sense, as it does when you carefully listen to God and resolve to be obedient to him.
Caleb has been a profound year, full of incredible teaching, residential experiences and practical application. I am humbled and delighted at the prospect of my ordination and look forward to serving my community in the Parish of St Nicolas, Cranleigh. In addition, I am hoping to join the Chaplaincy Team at HMP Send.
So, if you feel God is calling you to ministry of some kind, have faith – He will show you the way forward, however challenging it may seem at the time – and go for it!
Isaiah 53:6 reminds me that we owe everything to Jesus.
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have all turned to our own way, and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
- Isaiah 53:6