Graduate Profile: Michael Strydom, DTS

My name is Michael Strydom and I reside in Brisbane, Australia. I am a South African immigrant who moved with my family to Australia in 2008. I am married to Susan and have five children ranging from twenty-two down to fourteen years old. I currently work as a Service Desk Team Leader in computer support.

From an early age, through the influence of my grandmother, I attended an Anglican Church where she was the organist. I attended Sunday school each Sunday. However, I did not acknowledge Christ as my Lord and Saviour until many years later. Prior to my conversion in 2000, I had no regard for the things of God and lived a life far from God. I thank God for His mercy and grace that He saved a sinner like me. His Word says in Romans 10:13, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” I know that I am a child of God through Christ shedding His blood on Calvary. I am also aware that my salvation is by God’s grace and not by anything that I have done. The apostle Paul says in Ephesians 2:8-9,” For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

I attend a local reformed Baptist Church in Samford Valley where I serve as a deacon. I am also involved in street evangelism and serve as a team leader for Operation 513. Just over three years ago I felt led to begin my formal studies in theology. I want to be available to do whatever ministry work God calls me to do. After much searching, I was encouraged by my pastor to look at Reformed Baptist Seminary as they are a solid Christ centred reformed seminary. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” My prayer is that I will always be available to do whatever I can to serve, to honour and obey God, to have a good testimony, and leave a lasting legacy that would point others to Christ.

I would like specially to thank my wife Susan for her faithful support and encouragement during these three years of study. Also, to my children for their encouragement during these years. I want to thank Pastor Andrew Elliott and Pastor Josh Williamson for their support, and for being my proctors during this time. I would also like to thank Dr. Gonzales and the faculty for their support, and for providing an excellent opportunity for me to grow in my faith and knowledge of the Holy Scriptures.

Michael Strydom