Audrey Curry is director of community engagement at Stranmillis University College, Belfast
. What about your background?
A. I was born in 1959 to my late parents, William and Norah Curry. My dad was a farmer. I have an older sister, Anne, a younger brother, Jim, and a nephew, James. The beautiful Tassagh viaduct was on our farmland to the south of Armagh. In September 1977, I came to study at Stranmillis College and, after graduating, I taught in a large east Belfast secondary school. I was invited by Stranmillis to participate in a three-month secondment, from January to March 1992. Unexpectedly, an academic post in the college became available in September 1992 and, since joining the team, I have contributed to a number of projects that have shaped policy and practice.
For the last 11 years, I have been a member of the senior management team and I am currently the director of community engagement. My portfolio includes working with schools, further education and wider education organisations to fulfil the college’s mission and vision: “Shaping the lives of children and young people — unlocking potential and building futures.”
Q. How and when did you come to faith?
A. In growing up within a family of strong Christian faith, where the Bible was read every day and spontaneous prayer was role-modelled as a conversation with God, I always had confidence that I was loved, valued and protected. Although I always believed the teachings in scripture as a child, I fully committed my life to the Lord on February 21, 1978, during Tuesday Night at the Crescent with Derek Bingham.
Q. Is this faith only for Sundays?
A. My faith is my rock and anchor each day. Living in God’s purpose for my life, using the gifts and talents I have been blessed with, has taken me on a daily journey I could never have planned.
Q. Have you ever had a crisis of faith or a gnawing doubt about your faith?
A. I am grateful that I have never had a crisis or gnawing doubt in my faith, but I have encountered challenges in life. Losing dad to cancer on December 3, 2006 and mum to cancer just over two weeks later on December 18, 2006 was a tough challenge. However, there is wonderful reassurance that they, because of their faith, are in a place of peace.
Q. Have you ever been angry with God?
A. I don’t think I have been angry with God, but I have often wondered why He kept a door closed, making me wait before answering my ongoing prayers and eventually opening the door. It’s only when I look back that I can see that His timing ensured that the onward path was ready for my next steps.
Q. Do you ever get criticised for your faith and are you able to live with that criticism?
A. I am often questioned and challenged in this way. I respect that faith is a choice for each individual and I will never impose my faith on others. However, I’m not afraid to gently stand by my faith as I engage with those whose views are different.
Q. Are you ever ashamed of your own Church or denomination?
A. I define myself as an evangelical Christian, rather than as a member of a denomination. We are all imperfect human beings. No Church or denomination is perfect. We must always rebuke ourselves and others when we stray from the teaching in God’s word.
Q. Are you afraid to die, or can you look beyond death?
A. No, I’m not afraid to die. I rest on God’s promise that “the free gift is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).
Q. Are you afraid of hell?
A. Scripture tells us that those who put their trust in God have not been given a spirit of fear. I rest in the assurance of the words in John 14: “In my Father’s house are many mansions.” A resurrection is assured in scripture. Arriving in a place of peace, joy and harmony where we will live and serve.
Q. What about other denominations and other faiths?
A. I have friends across the denominations and faiths and I unite with them in events, both in and beyond Church buildings. If we are children in the family of God, we must respect and love our brothers and sisters. While it is healthy to discuss, debate and learn, when we demonstrate scorn and derision, we play into the hands of the oppressor who seeks to divide and conquer.
Q. Are the Churches here are fulfilling their mission and why are so many people turning their backs on organised religion?
A. It is important that we don’t view Church as buildings/Sunday services/weddings/baptisms/funerals. We celebrate our faith and the teaching from scriptures by valuing others while sharing the gifts of hope, peace, joy and love. Through our words and actions, we can invite people to join the Church family, so that they can make a personal decision about faith through teaching from God’s word.
Q. What is your favourite film, book and music and why?
A. The book Ridiculous Faith by Shelene Bryan encourages us to take bold steps into the unknown, trusting that our future is already planned. Christian music was important in our home and I still awake with the words of hymns/songs in my mind. Film? Chronicles of Narnia, CS Lewis’s The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.
Q. Where do you feel closest to God?
A. Amid the beauty of nature: at the sea shore; in a forest; on a hilltop.
Q. What inscription would you like on your gravestone?
A. “Gone to be with the Lord”.
Q. Finally, have you any major regrets?
A. I constantly rebuke myself for allowing negative people to steal joyful moments from my life and from the lives of others. We must encourage each other to simply walk away with forgiveness and joy in our hearts.
