My ordination story: Deacon Marie Poole

As I approach Ordination it is a time of reflection of the journey I and others being ordained with me have been on together. As I said at my testimony service, ‘although this is part of my story, it is God’s story, as nothing I have achieved in my life is by myself, it has been the faith and strength of God that has always helped me through’. Even when I have tried to ignore the call or feel I can’t do this anymore, God, and those close to me never gave up on me, and encouraged me to follow the will of God.

I am glad that God never let me off the hook and kept me on the journey to Ordained ministry and being part of the MDO, the Methodist Diaconal Religious Order and Order of Ministry, has such a deep part of who I am now, I am part of a wider community as an extended family for Life.

Since being in circuit as a probationer, it has had its challenges and joys, however, even during the difficult times there is something special being able to get alongside others and enable them in their faith and then watch them grow. What a privilege to sit with those that are nearing the end of life and be a presence in that moment for their families, or celebrate with parents through baptism, or seeing how community and church are engaging with each other in ways they did not expect or even realise was possible.

I am thankful to my family, friends and the church congregations I have ministered to for their love and support, I look forward to continue to minister and be involved in all that God has planned as an Ordained Deacon within the circuit, churches and the MDO where I have been placed.

Deacon Marie Poole