More About Me

Hi!  I am Diep-Thanh (pronounced Deep-tun)

HISTORY

I came to Australia as a young refugee from Vietnam in 1980.  I owed a lot to my ESL( English as a second language) and  English teachers in High School – who tirelessly sat with me even after school to work on my understanding of the English language  - hence indirectly opened me up to the world of human emotions expressed in literature.

I developed a love for books and at one stage studied the dictionary!!!

I lost my mother when I was 18 after caring for her through her ill health for the previous 4 years.  My world collapsed around me and the quest for the meaning of life began.

Two years later, I found where I truly belong, which has been an unfolding story – embracing the identity and destiny of who I was born to be, transcending our natural experiences.

TRAINING AND CAREER

I have been very blessed to have had the opportunity to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Monash University, with double major in Anthropology and Sociology.

I then graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Degree in Social Work.

I also have a Diploma in Christian Ministries with Harvest Bible College.

I have worked as a social worker for over 25 years in the fields of Family and Children Services, Youth Services, Health Promotion, Aged care and Rehabilitation.

For the last 17 years I also serve as a Senior Pastor at our local church – Hope of Glory.  Prior to being a pastor I served in various capacities in churches including leading worship, leading small groups, leading a youth ministry, and providing general pastoral care.

INTEREST

It is not hard to see from the above where my interests lie – In God, and in people.  Besides that I also love my cat, and miss my golden retriever terribly.  Maybe one day.........

I also love musicals and anything miniature.

FAMILY

I am married to Paul, who was born in Malaysia.  We met in Rome, fell in love in Israel 20 years ago – He is a man with the purest heart I have ever known –plus he bakes!!!

 We have been working together in the church for the last 17 years – and still loving it.

PASSION

To see the Love and Power of God transforming life and society – I believe in revolution (not the political kind, but the heart kind).

There are many people I love, honour, and respect, but JESUS is my only Hero – because HE CHANGED THE WORLD!!!  He liberated mankind from slavery, from religion, from pain, and from self absorption – He brought about a revolution of hearts and minds which nothing has been able to stop for the last 2 millennium – Awesome!!!