Student Story: Lucy
When Lucy Burdett became a Christian, she could not have expected in only twelve years to have a Diploma of Ministry, a frontline ministry job in the heart of Sydney and a new name! Recently married, Lucy Zeppel was interviewed at her graduation from Mary Andrews College at St Andrew’s Cathedral in March 2023.
Lucy shared openly and joyfully about how she became a Christian later in life. She was waiting at the school gate to pick up children when she was befriended by a Christian. Good friends invited her to church and finally she accepted only to have what she describes as “an amazing encounter with the Word of God and the love of Jesus.” From a course at church, Lucy began to learn more about who Jesus was, how he broke down barriers, loved others and showed grace…. and she wanted to know more. Describing herself as a curious learner with a scientific mind always asking why, she wanted to find out if Christianity was all true. This led Lucy to do further research and study of the Bible, wanting to go deeper and understand more. Having realised there was so much more to learn, when an SMBC (Sydney Mission and Bible College) evening course came up locally she signed up. “I was just captivated”, says Lucy. She began studying at SMBC and moved across to MAC after a friend told her about the Bible college in the city, close to where she worked.
“MAC is the college which supports students well in learning how to study again, especially if it has been a while,”
Throwing herself into study, Lucy was very encouraged by the “amazing” lecturers, staff and other students. “MAC is the college which supports students well in learning how to study again, especially if it has been a while” she explains. She said it was hard work but was very thankful it was assessment-based learning without exams. For Lucy that worked well as she strove to understand more about God and His Word. She was geared to learn from Practical Pastoral Care units and thought it would be other- person-centric, but discovered there was also reflective practice to learn more about yourself. Pastoral care subjects, especially those relating to mental health, were of great interest to her and proved useful in her current ministry role. Lucy was rather daunted by the idea of studying history, but has been surprised by how much Biblical and Christian history has intrigued her, motivating her to want to continue reading and learning more, even after the course.
Lucy is still to be found close by Mary Andrews College, as she works as a Chaplain at Wesley Mission in Pitt Street, Sydney. Her passion matches her role there as she particularly focuses on helping provide community and care in Christ’s name. Lucy believes her past background has helped shape her focus in this area. Her mum brought up her family on her own, moving into a new town. There they experienced the power of community, which enriched their lives and helps fuel Lucy’s passion. Since coming to faith, Lucy’s goal has become to equip and help and walk alongside people who are doing it tough. She sees it as a privilege. Often the chaplains meet people who are dealing with mental health issues and people in the street living marginalised lives. They can pray and speak to them about the power of God’s love and grace, inviting them to share in activities at the centre, including music sessions, Bible talks, and around food.
Lucy expressed her ministry this way: “Finally I am in the right place. No two days are the same, and you’re always challenged. You might go in thinking you’ll make a difference and some days you think you haven’t, but you have to have faith and need to realise that the Holy Spirit is at work, behind the scenes, unseen.”
Lucy’s faith shines from her as she enthuses about her chaplaincy role and the opportunities it brings to share Christ. She is also enthusiastic about encouraging others to consider studying at MAC. She advises “Pray first, follow your heart’s desire, in spite of any discouragement that may come.” She is firmly convinced that God equips us for the calling on our lives, and the Christian life is continual learning.
“Dip your toe in and audit a class then take the plunge. Before you know it, you’re getting a diploma!”
God has certainly made a huge difference in Lucy’s life in the last twelve years. We at MAC are so glad we were able to be part of this growth in Christ with her.