First Year Interview with Ryan Woods
Tell us a little bit about yourself
Hi, my name is Ryan Woods, and I am 23 years old from Portadown. I have been married for a year and a half now. My wife Amy and I both grew up in the fellowship at Portadown Baptist, where we still attend faithfully as members today. I am currently studying the Preparation For Ministry undergraduate course part-time (2 days a week), and I work part-time as a Physiotherapist in the Community Stroke Team in the Newry and Mourne area. Alongside that, I have always been a keen football fan, player and drummer.
Why did you choose to come to the College?
Since giving my life to Jesus at 16, I have been trying to serve where I can at church in Portadown. This led me to becoming a leader in our Youth Fellowship, which has been a great blessing and challenge over the past 5 years. Recently, I felt the Spirit stirring my heart to learn more and to equip myself better for discipling the young people. This led me to speak to the staff here at IBC, and after prayerful consideration, I submitted an application.
What has been the best thing/things about it so far?
I have found such encouragement from the College environment so far. Being able to come to IBC and spend devoted time discussing God's word, reflecting upon it and being challenged by it has helped me to develop my relationship with God and try to focus my life on devotion to God. Spending time in prayer together and encouraging each other in the gospel is a real highlight for me; the College really is one big family united in Christ.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt during your time so far?
One of the biggest lessons I have learnt so far is the importance of prioritising your personal relationship with God. Often, you can fool yourself into using your quiet time or devotional time solely to help you with a sermon or an essay. I have definitely been taught the importance of intentional quiet time with God and his word in prayer and reflection, rather than using your personal time with Jesus to help you complete a specific task. Although that can be helpful at times, it is not the same thing.
What have you found challenging?
I would have to say the most challenging thing has definitely been time management. Like many of the other students, I’ve found College life can be very busy. Between essays, sermons, church work, running the Youth Fellowship and Young Adults in Portadown, and of course working 3 days a week on top of that, it can be overwhelming at times, but we thank God that he alone strengthens, equips and guides.
What can we pray for you?
Please pray that God would continue to shape and mould both the other students in IBC and me to be more like Christ, preparing us for whatever ministry he will lead us to in his perfect plan. Please pray too for time management, that Amy and I would be able to prioritise family and ministry appropriately and not let the academic studies suffer.