God’s surprising and wonderful plan

When we were married in 2000, we never expected to find ourselves both enrolled in seminary, but God’s plans for us have been both surprising and wonderful. Jessica has long sensed a call to ministry, beginning in her childhood but coming to clarity during her undergraduate years at Calvin College.

The Hauser Brydons. Jessica, Troy, and their two children. Photo by Judy Hauser.

After attending the University of Michigan to earn a master's desgree in social work and spending a year working with Troy in campus ministry, she knew that it was time to pursue a theological education.

Troy’s call to ministry has been more recent. After earning a master's degree in American cultural studies at Bowling Green State University (Ohio), he wanted to teach culture, cinema, music and history in the classroom. God opened a door for him to do this as part of a church-based campus ministry in Ann Arbor, Michigan. While working as a campus minister, Troy strongly sensed God calling him away from other career possibilities and instead to a life of parish ministry.

Through God’s manifold grace and wisdom, both of us have been walking side by side through seminary, sharpening our gifts and knowledge for service to God’s church.

After graduation, Troy will seek a pastoral call in a local church setting. He is excited to see how his education and experiences match with a congregation’s needs so that that the Kingdom of God is made evident in that community.

Jessica’s final assessment is scheduled for June 2007. After taking some time to adjust to the physical and emotional demands of caring for an infant, Jessica also will seek a call to parish ministry or in a social service agency. In whatever setting Jessica finds herself, she is committed to helping others discern God’s call for their lives, just as many have helped her develop her sense of call to ministry over the past 10 years.

Grace and generosity

The challenges of seminary life have gone beyond the classroom. The pressure of raising a daughter while attending classes, studying for exams, writing papers and walking through the ordination process has been immense, but through God’s grace, the generosity of strangers and the companionship of friends, we are ready to dive headfirst into a life of service to God.

We want to express our utmost gratitude for your generosity. It has made it possible for us to be better servants of Christ in the PC(USA). We pray that others may have a similar encouraging experience as they prepare to serve the church in the world.

Jessica and Troy Hauser Brydon are recipients of the 2006-2007 Presbyterian Study Grant. They are Candidates under care of New Brunswick Presbytery and members of Hopewell Presbyterian Church of Hopewell, N.J.