Following God's call, André Adefope will be ordained deacon on Sunday 3 July by the Bishop of Manchester and will serve his curacy at the benefices of Deane and Lostock.
"I can’t quite believe that the ordination ceremony has come around so quickly. It feels like I only started training yesterday, but I actually find it harder to believe that I am getting ordained in the first place!
"Like many others in this position, I never thought this would happen, and I never would have chosen to do this either. Many years ago, friends and family used to say I would become a vicar and lead a church. However, I always ignored it and thought they were making a big mistake or just trying to be kind.
"So what led me to this point? The short answer is God, and me deciding to stop arguing with Him and trust Him with everything, including this. The longer answer is that God really challenged me for a prolonged period of time a few years ago, asking me if He was really enough? If so, would I trust him with my finances? Would I put Him before my plans? Would I lay down seeking safety in my skills and the things I take pride in? He asked me to look to Him only, let go of all else, and follow wherever He led.
"Three years ago and I began ordination training - reluctantly I must confess. Fast-forward to today, and I am so thankful and excited because this is what I deeply need and want to be doing. Not because I am special, or because I have worked it all out, but because He called me to this.
"When we are doing what the designer designed us for, the future, despite all of its potential challenges, becomes energising and rich. Working with God and alongside His people, in whatever He calls each of us to as individuals and communities, is and will be such a privilege."