Grants Case Study : Mark Nam
Mark was born in Newport , and is married to Kayi . They have two young daughters and a new-born son .
My family and I returned to the U . K . in 2016 , having lived and worked in Hong Kong for twelve years . We returned so that I could pursue a season of theological study and spiritual formation . I enrolled as a fulltime independent student at Trinity College in Bristol and successfully completed a two-year diploma in Theology , Ministry and Mission in 2018 , which was accredited by the University of Durham .
Over the past year , I have felt God directing me to second and third generation migrants . As a 3rd Generation British-Born-Chinese myself , I am acutely aware of the challenges inherent to presenting the gospel to those who no longer identify with their parent ’ s culture , but who also struggle to reconcile themselves with their new host culture . My studies in Missiology have been particularly helpful in preparing me to engage with various ethnic minorities , which in turn has influenced how I might better share the truth of the Gospel as I preach into different contexts and the changing face of Britain .
Having originally relied on personal savings and support from friends , the grant I received from the LWPT last year was incredibly timely and such an encouragement . Part of my spiritual journey has been learning what it really means to ‘ live by faith ’ and if it was not for the generosity of others and their willingness to share what God has given them , I would not have completed my diploma , so thank you very much .
I am pleased to report that Trinity College has offered me a place on their Masters programme , which enables me to deepen my study of scripture and inform my preaching practice . In terms of the future , I will complete my Masters and graduate in 2020 . I am cautious to predict where God will take me from there , but I imagine it will be serving in a church in a full-time capacity . The Chinese Church network is a realistic option ( particularly as one of their priorities is reaching out to 2nd and 3rd generation Chinese ), but I am also open to serving in a local church . Since arriving in Bristol , I have been involved in conversations with the Church of England around issues facing BAME ’ s ( Black and Minority Ethnic ), which might lead to other possibilities , although it really is too early to say .
Accordingly , I intend to focus on the immediate task at hand , my studies , and I remain ever so grateful for the support and encouragement I have received from the LWPT in developing my preaching ministry .
Mark Nam
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