The Paramedic PastorSample

I didn’t grow up wanting to be an ‘ambo’, yet God had other plans. I would end up having a career that spanned two decades, taking me to amazing and crazy places across our beautiful planet, from Sydney to the Solomon Islands, Canberra to the Middle East, and finally to Hobart, Tasmania.

I was 23 years old and didn’t know what I wanted in life, when a guest preacher arrived at the small community church that we were attending in Western Sydney, and started sharing stories of his faith intertwining in his work as a paramedic on the streets of Sydney.

Within a few short months, I was on those same streets working in the same profession; suddenly exposed to scenes and situations that are difficult to comprehend, let alone share with others.

With all that context, my friends, family and colleagues were seemingly surprised that one of my go-to scriptures was drawn from a moment where Paul was encouraging the people of Thessalonica to be positive. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT, we read where Paul said, “16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."

In the moments before commencing a shift, I would often pause to consider this scripture; words that so often brought me peace in moments and situations that were anything but peaceful.

Reflection

Whether it be work, education or other, what is your go-to scripture; the one that you pray in and over your life every day?