New Students, Fall 2002

Straightening up:
Andrena Ingram

Andrena Ingram recalls a time in her life when she was hampered with serious life issues. "Like the crippled woman identified in Luke 13:10-13," Andrena says, "I, too, have been ‘bent over’ and ‘quite unable to stand straight,’ for many years." Among the problems that had burdened her were homelessness, abuse, and illness. Reclaiming her life 15 years ago, Andrena still felt a certain emptiness. "I found my way to Transfiguration Lutheran Church in the South Bronx," Andrena says, "and learned that Christ loves me just the way I am. I don’t have to do anything to deserve his love." Now fully feeling Christ’s love, Andrena realizes she is called to help others who think they are beyond Christ’s reach. She comes to the seminary as part of the Theological Education for Emerging Ministries (TEEM) Program, an alternate preparation process that is uniquely suited to persons identified by their synods to provide leadership in an emerging ministry. A candidate for ordination, Andrena longs to reach out to others. "It is my wish to bring the gospel to those that believe there is no place in God’s kingdom for them—to invite those living ‘bent over’ from difficulties in life, to come to the table and partake of the feast, where everyone is welcomed, loved and forgiven."