About Grant Aldridge
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My interest in Missions and overseas missionaries goes back to when, as a child
of about nine years old, I read of the lives of missionaries and attended
mission meetings. I recall Beryl (Hollis) Ching, and others
telling of their mission experiences.
For some years, since my wife´s death, I struggled with the question
"What is your will, God?" with no evident answer.
I have served on several short-term mission work teams in India and the
Philippines. During January 2002, at Oro Bible College I was asked whether I had
considered the position of Business Manager of Advent Christian Missions in the
Philippines. I had, but had put it out of my mind for family reasons. However,
scripture came immediately to mind negating that excuse.
I subsequently asked Jeff Walsh (the then serving missionary at
Oro Bible College) about the position. I breathed a sigh of relief when given
the criteria, as it did not fit me.
God obviously had other plans. When I arrived home in New Zealand I told my
family that I could be back in the Philippines on a permanent basis.
God´s will has been confirmed to me in many ways: through Scripture, prayer,
personal circumstances and the advice of trusted Christian friends.
I had no choice but to telephone Jeff Walsh and offer my services. I am not an
accountant. I have been church treasurer and done a year of book keeping at
secondary school. I suggested other ways that I could contribute to the work at
Oro Bible College and the Advent Christian Mission
work in the Philippines. Jeff undertook to contact Rev. Harold Patterson
(then serving Director of World Missions, ACGC) and inform him to see if he felt
that I would "fill the bill".
From that time on things progressed at almost an alarming rate: Rev. Patterson
replied provisionally accepting me, personal circumstances fell into place, my
parents and my family acknowledge that God must come first, friends, both
Christian and non-Christian, have been most encouraging and Scripture upon
Scripture have confirmed this step.
Because God has done all for me I have had no option but to be obedient to God
and to say "Here I am Lord send me" wherever and for whatever
You want.
When God calls He does not lead into something that is beyond our
ability in Him, to accomplish. With nearly forty years in the New
Zealand education system, as a classroom teacher and as an administrator, I may
also have other skills to offer.
Since being "on the field" I have, in addition to the Business Manager´s
role, been able to be involved at OBC in supervising the library
several evenings a week, undertake some preaching appointments, and assist one
church to produce a Christmas Presentation. There have been
other ways in which I have also occupied my days, which I trust have been of
help to those involved either as individuals or churches.
When God calls we must be ready to follow without counting the cost.
To me, He has proved that He is faithful and will sustain me whatever the
circumstance. I have on my wall a plaque, which says, "God never asks
about our ability or our inability but our availability." Having made
myself available He has provided the ability to do what He called me here to do.
Grant Aldridge
