The Crosslinks' Web Interview, October 2004

This time it's another trip across the Irish Sea to meet Sarah Keene, recently appointed Crosslinks Children's and Youth Ministry Director in Dublin.

Sarah, the title sounds great - but have you found out what the job is about yet?

To an extent I am still figuring that out! Essentially my goal is to get young people in the Republic of Ireland enthused for Mission. For example, Crosslinks Ireland has been running Holiday Clubs for a number of years now, which is a great training ground for young volunteers as they reach out to local children and are challenged in explaining their faith to them. I am also looking for other initiatives and ways to reach young people and challenge them to become involved in Mission. I hope to be going into schools, meeting youth groups etc I'll keep you posted and things get busier.

Tell us a bit about your family background...

My parents are both Irish, but I was born and brought up in Holland. As my parents worked for Youth With A Mission (YWAM), we moved around a bit and I have also lived in America for a year. I went to England to study at Warwick University and stayed there for about 9 years before moving to Ireland, where I had never lived before, despite having an Irish passport. I met my husband Andrew at university; he is from Hampshire and an ardent Southampton supporter.

What did you do before starting to work for Crosslinks?

Following my degree in German Studies, I trained to be a teacher and worked in a secondary school in Birmingham for 4 years, teaching German and French. When we moved to Ireland I worked in a school here for 6 months, but felt it was time for a change. I really wasn't sure what God had in store for me, so I took a 6 month contract with an insurance company while I prayed and thought about the future. During this time I heard about the job of Children's and Youth Ministry Director with Crosslinks and was very excited when I read the job description. It really seemed to fit me and answer my questions about what to do next.

How did you become a Christian?

I was brought up in a Christian home and can't remember a time when I wasn't aware of Jesus' love for me and the world. I remember praying to accept Jesus as my saviour when I was about 5, and this became more real to me as I got older, in particular when I was a teenager and had to make choices and defend my beliefs to my friends. I was very fortunate in having a good group of Christian friends and we supported each other in this. Once again at university I was blessed with support from Christian friends and I was able to continue growing in my faith. In recent years I have learned so much about God's faithfulness and I am learning to praise Him in all circumstances.

What do you like to do when you're not working?

My main hobby is reading and I get through about 4 or 5 books a week at the moment. My husband is eternally grateful that I re-read things, or else we'd be bankrupt by now and not able to get in the house for books. I also like going to the cinema and walking. Andrew and I are also involved in the Youth Work in our church and work with the 16 to 18 years olds, which is always fun and exciting.

Thanks, Sarah - I'll leave to read that book yet again!

Come back soon for another in depth interview!

back to interview index