Bethany Cooper

I grew up in a Christian home in St Albans, Hertfordshire and am the eldest of 5 children. Although I would have always said I believed in God, I remember clearly committing my life to living for Jesus on a Ventures camp in the summer of 2011.

I graduated in the summer of 2019 with a degree in Primary Education at the University of Reading. I was very involved with the Christian Union at Reading University and had the joy of seeing a very close friend of mine come to faith. I can’t wait to get stuck into all areas of church life as an MT at Carey and look forward to seeing how the Lord works to build and establish his kingdom.

Richard Lawrence

I’ve been in Reading and attending Carey since 2011 so I imagine that several of you know me already. For the last 2 years I’ve been working in a job involving a mixture of finance management, data analysis and modelling. Before that I was an external auditor/accountant and before that I did a degree in Mathematics at Durham University. My highlight of each year for sometime now has been the summer camps I help on – there’s nothing I like more than being involved in the sharing of the gospel.

My other interests including reading (fantasy, theology and church history), computer programming and occasionally playing video games. Though more broadly I enjoy almost anything “geeky”. I hope that in my time as a trainee I will be of use to the church whilst considering what path I should pursue in the future.

Colin White

I’m delighted to be at Carey and look forward to a great year of learning and growth as I serve the local church.

I’m originally from Glasgow and graduated from Stirling University, with a BA in Sport Studies before pursuing a Post Graduate in Physical Education at Strathclyde University in Glasgow. I graduated and then immediately entered professional rugby with Glasgow Warriors for two years before going to play in Italy for three. It was during my time in Italy that the Lord saved me from my sin and brought me to himself. In time, I felt God calling me away from professional rugby and into the ministry, especially as I saw the need for the gospel in Italy.

In June this year, I returned from Bologna, Italy as I served there for four years as a full time missionary. I was working with the local church for two years before I served with Youth For Christ for two years in evangelism and discipleship amongst young people. In addition, I’ve had the chance to preach in Italian and would like to grow more in that area of service.

Whilst in Italy, I have been studying in a seminary program called Crosslands associated with Oakhill College. I would hope to complete that program as of September 2020, which would allow me to graduate with a Masters in Christian Theology.

I’m excited for the year ahead, as I look to get to know many of you here at Carey and seek the Lord’s face in a future ministry role.