Andrew Beddoe

I became a follower of Jesus at age 8 and have been growing in love for God ever since through the ups and down of life in this fallen world. I am very thankful to God for blessing me with Emma, my wife and four beautiful children, Joel, Madelyn, Luke and Isobel. Since the age of 15, God have me a heart to share Jesus with those who did not know him.

I thought for many years that would take me overseas but instead, for the last 13 years, God has led me to reaching everyday people in Australia who are not often well represented in our churches. It is a. great privilege to open God’s word with people and see them come to know and understand God’s goodness and love.

Helping people go on to share Jesus with others is a great joy for me. Missions to regional communities in NSW, worked amongst International students as a ministry apprentice and staff worker at Wollongong University, served as an assistant minister at Fairfield and Bossley Park Anglican Church and a trainer in Vocational Bible College. What I love about Vocational Bible College is that it equips practical, hands on Christian’s to be fruitful, disciple-makers for Jesus.

Col Adamson

I am married to Sally and we have three adult children, Kate, Sarah and Tim, and two grandchildren. To relax, I enjoy playing the organ, piano and anything that makes me laugh. I left school at the end of Year 10 and did a trade in Metal machining. I also studied Mechanical Engineering through TAFE part-time at night (10 years), and worked in metal manufacturing for a total of 24 years. My final role was as Senior Engineer for John Hart Pty Ltd (15 years), where I specialised in training in robotics, measuring equipment and Computer-controlled metal-cutting machine tools. I have also lectured within TAFE in Metrology and Robotics.

During this time, I was an Elder at Northmead Anglican Church (15 years), and studied ministry and Theology at night (Diploma) - another 10 years! I also worked part-time at St John’s Cathedral Parramatta (in the Music Ministry), and Ambassador’s for Christ in Evangelism (Lifeworks). In 2003, I went off to study full-time at Moore College, and worked at Northmead Anglican and St Thomas North Sydney (part and full-time from 2007). I currently work part-time at Vocational Bible College and at Toongabbie Anglican as a Senior Assistant Minister.

My greatest joy is seeing others turn to Jesus and then growing in knowing, loving and serving Him. I love that Vocational Bible College is accessible training for everyday people, and equips people where they are in practical Ministry and Theology.

Pete Ritchie

I’m married to Mel & we have two awesome kids Steph & Wes. We live in Albury and are committed to our Thurgoona Presbyterian Church family. I used to be a Sailor in the Navy and my area of work was in Mine Warfare. I never intended on moving in full time ministry, but God had different - and better - plans for us.

When I left the Navy I did MTS at Narellan Anglican Church, studied at SMBC and then moved to Albury to work with FOCUS Military Ministry. For the last 17 years my ministry with FOCUS has been amongst soldiers who are in training to become medics, vehicle mechanics, parachute riggers and electronics technicians. In many ways, these are the Army's 'everyday people.'

What I love about VBC is that it is about providing solid Biblical training for everyday people. I also resonate with the vision of equipping everyday people to make disciples and lead disciple-making ministries, as much of my ministry with FOCUS is working towards that end too!

David Shekede - Migrant Trainer and Assessor

I grew up in Zimbabwe in a Christian family. My father was a Bishop and was involved in church planting. I am married to Alice, and we have three children, two boys and one girl, and God blessed us with six grandchildren, five boys and one girl. I miss the strong sense of love and support within the community of believers in my home country. On the other hand, I appreciate Australia’s strong economy and excellent education, health, housing, and welfare services.

Professionally, I have over 30 years of experience as a motor mechanic, working with various vehicles and equipment. I have run my own mechanical business for a decade and am currently a technical trainer, teaching international students in automotive training at two private colleges. I am actively involved in the Yagoona Anglican Church for All Nations, where I have been involved in music and growth group ministries since 2001. Additionally, I have served as a lay minister for the Zim-Anglican Fellowship since 2012, mentoring two lay assistants and leading a pastoral care team with four elders.

I strongly believe that Vocational Bible College is well-suited for migrant churches due to its flexible, affordable, and practical theological and ministry training. This makes it accessible for individuals from non-English-speaking backgrounds. Additionally, it is suitable for Christians of any denomination who may not have the time and resources to attend larger, more academically focused colleges.