Grateful Living
Shaped by Grace, Serving the Next Generation
Andrew Painter shares how God transformed his life and gave him a passion to invest in young people.
From the Solomon Islands to the Blue Mountains, and now here at HBBC, life has been shaped by God’s grace and the people who came alongside him.
Growing up as the child of missionary parents, Andrew spent his early years on the mission field before returning to Australia in Year 3. The change was a massive culture shock, and the constant moving left its mark. By high school, he was heading down a destructive path - skipping school, shoplifting, and even facing court.
But God used that moment to turn things around. When his parents asked the local Baptist pastor to stand with him in court, that pastor not only spoke up for him but also invited him to complete a Christianity Explained course. That experience became a turning point, as he began to take his faith seriously and allow God to guide his future.
Fast forward to today, and his passion is evident: investing in young people. Having personally faced the challenges of change, instability, and seeking a sense of belonging, he is deeply committed to supporting the next generation.
Over the years, he and his wife, Karen, have led junior Sunday School, been involved in youth ministry, and still serve in young adults’ life groups and at Friday night youth. More recently, they joined the Gideons, sharing God’s Word with students through New Testament distributions in schools. “It’s such a privilege,” he says, “to sow into young people’s lives from such an early age.”
Andrew also recently completed the Equip Preaching Series with Pastor Brett. Preaching for the first time on a Sunday morning was, in his words, “a really positive experience”. I’ve always been keen to teach others what I’ve just learnt, especially in the areas of theology. The feedback was overwhelming and encouraging.”
So, what would he say to someone considering volunteering? His answer is simple:
“Do it. Our time here is short, and investing in God’s Kingdom through relationships with others is something that will last into eternity.”
For Andrew and Karen, this season of life is about just that - sharing what God has taught them and giving back. And through their faithfulness, generations to come will be blessed.
Growing up as the child of missionary parents, Andrew spent his early years on the mission field before returning to Australia in Year 3. The change was a massive culture shock, and the constant moving left its mark. By high school, he was heading down a destructive path - skipping school, shoplifting, and even facing court.
But God used that moment to turn things around. When his parents asked the local Baptist pastor to stand with him in court, that pastor not only spoke up for him but also invited him to complete a Christianity Explained course. That experience became a turning point, as he began to take his faith seriously and allow God to guide his future.
Fast forward to today, and his passion is evident: investing in young people. Having personally faced the challenges of change, instability, and seeking a sense of belonging, he is deeply committed to supporting the next generation.
Over the years, he and his wife, Karen, have led junior Sunday School, been involved in youth ministry, and still serve in young adults’ life groups and at Friday night youth. More recently, they joined the Gideons, sharing God’s Word with students through New Testament distributions in schools. “It’s such a privilege,” he says, “to sow into young people’s lives from such an early age.”
Andrew also recently completed the Equip Preaching Series with Pastor Brett. Preaching for the first time on a Sunday morning was, in his words, “a really positive experience”. I’ve always been keen to teach others what I’ve just learnt, especially in the areas of theology. The feedback was overwhelming and encouraging.”
So, what would he say to someone considering volunteering? His answer is simple:
“Do it. Our time here is short, and investing in God’s Kingdom through relationships with others is something that will last into eternity.”
For Andrew and Karen, this season of life is about just that - sharing what God has taught them and giving back. And through their faithfulness, generations to come will be blessed.
Posted in Grateful Living