Andrew McIntosh is part of our Sydney Labouring Community. His heart is for fellow First Responders – to make Jesus known, bring hope to the frontline and raise up spiritual generations.

How did you come into relationship with Jesus?

I grew up in a family where my parents taught me and my siblings about Jesus from a young age. As a young feller, I became aware of my need for a relationship with Jesus, and for me this translated into asking Him into my life during bedtime prayers. As an adult working and going to university, I had a period of trying to rely on my own strength to get through life. Jesus repeatedly reminded me of His grace being sufficient and that in my weakness His strength is made perfect. I reaffirmed my childhood decision to be in a relationship with Jesus, making a public declaration through baptism in my twenties.

How did you come to be involved with The Navigators and how has the Navigator community helped you grow?

I grew up in a family where The Navigators have been a part of my life from before I can remember. My parents were serving with The Navigators before I was born. The Navigator community has been part of my life from day one, whether I wanted it or not! We had Bible studies in the family home each week, Navigator staff and students from around the world came and stayed for varying periods of time, and Navigator events were regularly hosted with speakers coming to talk about Jesus and to share their testimonies of His work amongst the nations and through the generations.Throughout, I have had the privilege of strong, godly Navigator men and women in my life, demonstrating what living faith and discipleship looks like – examples that have shaped my life.

What feeds your joy in the labouring?

Following a relational Creator, I have come to know the joy of being known, loved and having the identity that comes from being in relationship with Christ.

Through the opportunities and challenges gifted to me throughout my life, I have increasingly been convicted of living a life in relationship with Jesus and in relational service to my family, friends and colleagues. As a First Responder, I continue to see the earthly consequences of sin and the deep Jesus-sized hole that exists in each of us. My joy is fed in labouring alongside my First Responder colleagues and helping them see my Jesus and the purpose, love and sense of being known that He gives to me and invites each of us to accept. In a workplace filled with trauma, death and human selfishness, there is no better light than Jesus! He has already won the battle, conquering death.

What has helped sustain you in the challenging work of labouring?

Colossians 3:23 – ‘Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men’ – reminds me that our labouring has eternal significance. We work to serve God. There is no promise it will be easy; it is, however, a blessing to others and an act that glorifies God. There is great sustaining joy in being able to serve others and walk alongside them in relationship. This sustains me.