Welcome, Daleen Bakker

St George’s welcomes Daleen Bakker to serve with our church as an intern for the coming year as part of the Church of England’s Ministry Experience Scheme for people aged 18-30 considering ordained ministry. St George’s was invited by our Diocese to take part in the programme, and the church council was unanimous in accepting.

The candidate put forward to us, Daleen, is half Dutch/half Portuguese and comes to us from the Netherlands. She recently finished a bachelor’s in International Land and Water Management and is currently working on her thesis as part of a pre-master’s in Theology.

The 21-year-old describes herself as energetic and loves being outdoors, working in the garden or on her university farm, as she did during her summer holidays. She’s also learning to play the guitar.

She’s an ardent ‘follower of Jesus, although sometimes with feeble knees,’ she says. ‘Living with and for the Lord is the biggest joy in my life.’

Not being raised as a Christian, she ‘journeyed from church to church’ until finally ‘coming home in the Anglican Church. I’ve been growing a lot, both spiritually in the knowledge of Him as well as in serving.’

At university, she helped with Bible studies and evangelizing. ‘I’m constantly amazed at how God’s Word is active and alive,’ she says. ‘Therefore, reading and studying the Bible with others has become an important part of my life.’

At her home church, she served at the altar, was involved in preaching, and wrote daily meditations on the lectionary readings.

Regarding the next year at St George’s Barcelona, she says: ‘I’m very eager to learn from everyone here and to share my own enthusiasm for Jesus!’

Daleen will be involved in the young adult ministry and the welcoming of new members, living in the top flat with Jennie Hebson, our youth worker. She will also help run the Alpha course, as well as being regularly involved in the Sunday services.

Please make Daleen feel welcome and do pray for her as she takes up this new role.