Matthew Whitfield began following Jesus at high school. Until 16 years of age, he had not given relationship with God much thought, endured scripture classes and made fun of Christians he knew.
But Jesus said he came to save sinners. Hearing this made it clear he needed rescuing from God's judgment.
After asking many questions, by God’s grace he understood the good news about Jesus and that by faith in his death on the cross he was forgiven and had the hope of new life with God. What a joy!
His life with God continues as it started – through faith in the crucified and risen Jesus. This means his faith in the Lord Jesus has an ongoing impact on how he lives today as he sits under God’s word in repentance and faith.
Matthew is married and has three children. He enjoys Indian food, photography, history and swimming at the beach. That said, he counts it one of the best parts of his life when he opens the Bible with others. It's there we meet the grace of God in the person of Jesus Christ.
Andrew Irving is married to Julie and is the Evangelism and International Minister.
His role includes meeting up with people to share the gospel as well as run introduction bible studies with the various ethnic groups in our church.
Erina Sawyer is married to Dan and welcomed their first child in 2022.
She loves sweet things and filling her weekends up with seeing friends. Erina is the young adult women's minister, and her role includes meeting up with young women to read the bible, encourage their growth in spiritual maturity, and train them up to serve. Erina and her husband are also passionate for people to know Jesus, and hope in the long term to serve in the mission field overseas.
Netane Siuhengalu is the Youth and Night Church Minister at West Ryde Anglican Church. He finds joy in seeing youth grow in their understanding of the Bible and their love for Jesus. Netane also enjoys reading in a café, watching movies, going to the beach and eating good food with family and friends.
Miriam is a bookkeeper with a passion for supporting gospel ministry. When she's not moving numbers around, Miriam enjoys board games, baking, and being the fun aunty to a dozen nieces and nephews.
Miriam is in the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays and can be contacted at finance@westrydeanglican.org.au or 9874 1926 about matters relating to church finances.