Meet Karyn Grant

Sandy and Karyn Grant are our guest speakers at the 2024 Ministry Wives Retreat. Cailey Raffel asked Karyn a few questions so we could hear a bit more about how God has shaped Karyn to be the faithful servant of Christ that Cailey knows her to be.

CR: Karyn, thanks so much for letting us get to know you a bit ahead of the retreat. You’ve told us you learnt to drive on a tractor (cool!) and you went to Billabong High. Where was that and how long did you live there for?

KG: I grew up on a farm down near Albury. At the end of school I left to study at Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

CR: So like me, Glebe is a long way from your birthplace. And like many women married to ministers, where you live is not necessarily where you would choose if you were just deciding on an address according to your likes and preferences.

KG: Where we are now is possibly the opposite of everything I would choose for myself – but I can be confident in the Potter’s hands. Knowing God’s plans are better than mine has helped me be content and willing to support Sandy wherever ministry has led him.

CR: I love that you and Sandy are different in many ways but share the same desire to serve God, as the people He has made you to be. It's very liberating to know that we can have very different skill sets and interests from our husbands, or from other ministry wives, and still be useful in the kingdom. What are some of those 'other intelligences' God has given you?

KG: As a (twice retired) classroom Music Teacher and stay-at-home mum, I’ve had opportunities to develop a wide range of gifts and interests. Event planning, visual design and creativity, caterer, team leader, problem solver, listener, encourager. Jack of all trades - master of none. Mostly I avoid being ‘up the front.’

CR: We do really appreciate you saying yes to this gig, including the fireside chat. Here's a question I think you will have answered before: How did you come to faith in Jesus?

KG: In God’s kindness I grew up in a Christian family. And even though I had no youth group or friends my own age at church, it is a deep blessing to have always felt secure in Christ. Of course, there were significant moments along the way, and I’m still growing in realising how much I need Jesus every day. He is strong and kind.

CR: Thanks Karyn for pointing us to Jesus and how our great need is met in him. I’m really looking forward to the Bible talks Sandy will give at the retreat and thinking more deeply about the Potter, ourselves as clay and how contentment comes with that knowledge and trust.