Stories

I am very grateful for the work and ministry of the OCTF.  They supported me at a few times of times of intense times of difficulty and turmoil when my car was broken into and when it broke down. They gave me the support I needed and were always extremely kind, loving and responded in a timely manner which was very helpful when I didn’t know where to turn. Thank you so much OCTF!

FC

I am incredibly grateful for the support the OCTF provided during my discernment process for ordination. Their generosity enabled me to continue working with Lighthouse, a Christ-centred, hope-filled community and Leeds-based charity where vulnerable adults—facing challenges such as addiction, poverty, and mental health crises—can journey together towards greater healing, wholeness, and life in all its fullness.

With the help of the grant, I was able to complete a training course in ministering to those on the margins of society. This not only deepened my understanding of ministry in challenging contexts but also equipped me with invaluable skills for pastoral care, mission, and advocacy.

Since then, I have trained for ordination at Trinity College, Bristol, and am now serving my curacy in inner-city Bradford. The lessons I learned at Lighthouse continue to shape my ministry, allowing me to walk alongside those on the edges of society with greater compassion, confidence, and faith. I remain deeply thankful for the investment OCTF made in my journey and the lasting impact it has had on my vocation.

Revd Millie Cork

The Ordination Candidates Training Fund was a tremendous support during a critical period in my life. As a Muslim asylum seeker with limited support from friends and family in the UK, pursuing further education felt daunting. Studying at Oxford University with English as a second language was already challenging, and funding my third-year degree seemed impossible. However, the OCTF made it achievable, enabling me to complete my theological undergraduate degree. This support not only transformed my education and career prospects but also empowered me to better support my family in times of need. I am truly grateful for their invaluable assistance.

Revd Mohammad Eghtedarian