What Previous CONNECTers Say
Since CONNECT began, nearly two hundred graduates have completed the programme. Here is what some of them have said:
"It sounds so clichéd when you read these quotes from previous Connecters and people describe their years with words like 'awesome', 'amazing', 'learned so much', 'lifetime experience' and 'strengthened my relationship with God'. But it's difficult not to! The year I have spent on Connect will be definitive for the rest of my life - there are precious few opportunities like Connect in which you are encouraged and enabled to seek God in as many ways. Connect has opened doors for me, in my personal development in character and leadership, and in meeting people from around the world that share the same vision. Working with God in a ministry context is the greatest privilege and there is no experience like it. The move to apply for Connect was an easy and obvious one - and I will remain ever grateful to God for this year." Tim: Nottingham
"For me, the Connect year was a brilliantly supported environment where I could put into practice and actively learn some of what I had been taught about advancing God's kingdom. It has been a time of cementing convictions about God and His character of love & grace, and about the value and joy of spending time with Him. I am convinced and inspired to go on and live out the great command to 'love God', and excited about getting stuck-into the great commission to 'go and make disciples'." Jonny: Leicester
"During my connect year the way I viewed God and life changed. Reality stopped being about me and my little world - how people viewed me, how well I was or wasn't performing...Life became more about being alive to know God to fall deeper in love with Him and to capture something of His heart for people. This is something I hope will keep growing, but the foundations are definitely a lot more solid, and I'm a lot more eager to be used to see other people get a clearer view on how God sees them and sees the world."
Lorraine Upton: Edinburgh
"During the summer programme I learnt to expect God to do great things."
Alex Bray: Bristol
"After finishing my studies at Glasgow University, I was looking for something worthwhile to do before starting my training for the ordained ministry in the Church of Scotland. As a ‘Connector' I had the chance to think about my faith; to begin to understand more of God's call on my whole life; to develop confidence in who I am, and to go further along the road that takes us from knowing about God to knowing God in a deeper and more personal way."
Paul McKeown: now a Minister in the Church of Scotland
"There is no other job that I've done, or am ever likely to do that will be as enjoyable, varied and valuable as that year in Leicester. If you are looking to learn life long skills in an unusual and challenging job there are few better."
Tim Milstead: Leicester
"Connect has been an extremely valuable year for me. I've picked up a host of skills to help in ministry and which are relevant to the working world. I've been challenged to live day by day trusting that God is in control; learnt a ton about my character and personality, my preferences and the way I approach tasks; had opportunities to travel and seen that my God is tangible and at work around us today." James Wharin: Leicester
"The list of things that God taught me is probably endless."
Mike Spencer: now a Navigator Student Representative in Manchester
"As I was coming to the end of my degree I was trying to decide what to do next. The Connect Programme was one of the options presented to me and after a lot of thought and prayer I took the advice of a friend, who said "Go where you will grow". Over the year my skills of discernment, networking, people management, training and communication were all nurtured and this laid a good foundation for my present career in the Civil Service."
Rachael Crookson: now Skills and Education Manager for Leicestershire
"I had a fantastic time doing the Connect Programme! The year gave me a unique opportunity to study the Bible and I gained a deeper understanding about what God has done for us. Before the year, my faith had been more feelings based, but afterwards I knew that I had foundations that would last, that I had become 'rooted and built up in Him' (Colossians 2:7)"
Keren Coney: Birmingham
"My Connect year was an important time - it helped me to know God better. I learnt more about studying the Bible and how I can encourage other Christians in their spiritual lives."
Steve Feerick: London
"I think I would describe my Connect experience as a complete spiritual health check. I came out of the year feeling much stronger with God than when I'd entered it, plus I had lots of fun in the process. I think if you want to experience God then getting involved in the Great Commission is the way to go, and the Connect year certainly gets you focussed and stuck into that!"
Colin Dowse: Leicester
"Through doing Connect I learnt many things about myself - how I work best, how I relate to people, how I manage my time etc. These skills have proved invaluable in my progression in the 'Business World' and play a key role in my relationships both with work and social colleagues."
Jim Aldred: now a Team Leader, Welcome Financial Services