Dr Ruth Lukabyo was invited to join the Youthworks College faculty as a Lecturer in 2006. Her teaching areas include Church History (where she completed her PhD), Sexuality and Identity, and Evangelism. She is also Youthworks College Director of Research, and editor of Australian Evangelical Perspectives on Youth Ministry.
Ruth is celebrating 20 years on staff at Youthworks College, so we asked her colleagues and students to share with us their highlights of her faithful service.
1. Her deep love of Jesus is evident in the genuine care and support she gives to students and faculty alike at Youthworks College. Student Daniel Humphreys shares, “Ruth is an encouraging, loving and wonderfully faithful servant of God, and her gentle care for all those around her has made a massive impact on my time here so far.”
2. She has an extraordinary love for history, and her enthusiasm is contagious. Ruth has the unique ability to bring the past into the present, sharing stories and insights that help us appreciate the people and events that have shaped us.
3. Her fabulous sense of humour. There is always plenty of laughter when Ruth is around.
4. Even when things get a little hectic, Ruth has a wonderful way of staying calm and knows just the right thing to say to bring a little comfort, encouragement or even a smile when it’s needed most.
5. Her sensitivity and insight teaching the sexuality and identity class. Student Eleanor Schwarz says, “I have learnt a lot about the world and how to respond with Christ's perspective.”
6. Ruth is always willing to pray with and for her students and be a listening ear when they are seeking guidance.
7. Ruth models honesty in supervision groups, showing students how to be vulnerable.
8. She leaves you with wonder and a desire to know God more, to look into how the Bible came to be and how God speaks to us today.
9. She beams with hope and has open arms and an open mind.
10. Her wisdom and humble servant heart. Student Lara Enderby shares, “Ruth is an inspiration to me and a great woman I look up to.”
PRAYER: Father in heaven, thank you for Ruth’s 20 years of faithful service at Youthworks College. Thank you for using her skills and wisdom to impact the lives of so many students and colleagues. Please continue to bless her ministry for your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.