It all started with God, my brother and a subway!

By Patrick Kinghan

Patrick is from the Diocese of Toronto, but while in school calls the Diocese of Huron home. He will be sharing the work of PWRDF in both Dioceses as a justgeneration.ca Diocesan Ambassador.

About three years ago, I was on a subway in downtown Toronto with my brother. As we rode the rails he began to stare at me for a good minute or two. I asked him what he was looking at, and all he said was “I know what you’re going to do.” I was a little confused, to be sure. At this point in my life I had a strong call to be an Anglican priest. It was a decision I had stuck to for close to four years before then. It, of course, is still as strong today, but what my brother told me that day was rather intriguing. I humoured him and he continued with his explanation. He said he saw me across the world, helping those in third world countries, building houses, providing relief to families, etc.

That little conversation stuck with me. I still want to be a priest. That has been unwavering. Yet there was this new possible opportunity. I liked what he said. I liked the idea of helping people, and making as much of a difference as I could. So, what do I do? Well, since then I’ve begun my first year of university, and have declared my major as an honours specialization in history. Turns out I also aspire to earn a PhD, and call myself a scholar, doctor, professor. So, professor and priest. A lot of school, but definitely doable. Yet there is still this strong urge to engage in social justice in the way my brother suggested. There are just so many charities and relief organizations. How could I possibly choose just one? How could I find the one that was right for me?

Last summer I found that answer when I had the opportunity to attend General Synod as a volunteer, working at one of the display booths. I had a spiritual moment. A moment where I just felt like God said “here.” Here. The Anglican Church. God told me that this is where I would make myself useful for social justice, within the church. It all made sense. It was more apparent after the talk in the subway with my brother. I have also always loved being a member of the Anglican church. God told me with the simple word “here” that I had to combine the two. Social justice and the Anglican church. It’s funny because after that it seemed so obvious, but God has this amazing way of making us open our eyes to the things we cannot see.

My father was also there as a delegate so I told him of this revelation and I asked who I could talk to. He immediately said PWRDF. So I went to their booth, explained my realization, and after an interview process and a retreat I am here as the justgeneration.ca Diocesan Ambassador to the Diocese of Huron. I’m fulfilling my desire to work for social justice, within the church communion in which I grew up and love. I am so excited to get to work. God brought me here. And I’m ready to do His work, and try my best to aid those in any way I can. I’m in university, becoming a history scholar, I will go to seminary, and now I’m also apart of PWRDF and justgeneration.ca.  These are my hopes. So as I said… let’s get to it!

God Bless!!!