Ministry Trainees

Andy Bruno

Despite being born in the South, Andrew has lived in the North of England for most of his life. His family lives in Burton-in-Lonsdale, and he went to school in Giggleswick. He then studied Classics (Latin and Greek Literature) at Durham for three years, and upon graduation he moved home and worked in a motor components distributor in Lancaster for a year, during which time he started coming to Moorlands. He then left for a year to study for his Masters in Oxford, where he developed a taste for brie, learnt how to do cryptic crosswords and saw Hugh Grant in a bar. Now he is back, and very excited about being a Ministry Trainee. 

Andrew has been a Christian for all of his adult life. His interests include the Roman poet Lucan, biography, House, the turbulent fortunes of the England cricket team and the music of his favourite band, Arcade Fire.

Ruth Lawrence

A true Lancashire lass, Ruth was born and bred in Burnley, and as such is a proud supporter of Burnley FC, particularly when they are winning. She has just finished three years studying English Language with Creative Writing at Lancaster University, and has successfully learnt how to read, write and spell.

Her dad has been a pastor for as long as she can remember and probably longer than that. She grew up in a world where a church outing always involved a pie and pea supper, rain and a search for toilets. Her favourite occupation is to be buried in a book, occasionally emerging to cycle long distances just for the fun of it. She is thrilled about being a trainee and thinks that it is marvellous that she has the opportunity to serve God in this way.

Laura Vennelle

Laura came to Lancaster in 2007 to study English Literature and History at Lancaster University. Originally from St.Neots in Cambridgeshire, she was unaware how quickly the North would grow on her, including mucking up her accent (or improving it, depending on who you're talking to)! She has had the privilege of growing up in a Christian family and is excited about the opportunity to serve her church family at Moorlands further and to help grow God's kingdom.

Laura enjoys being outside in the beautiful scenery of the Lakes, doodling in her sketchbook, attempting to play her guitar and getting into a good novel accompanied by a mug of hot chocolate and a large slice of cake!

Alex Yare

Alex was born in Buckinghamshire and raised in the Midlands. He has always had an affinity for the outdoors, which brought him to Lancaster for university, where he studied Maths. Most of his friends think he actually studied canoeing and hill walking.

Alex became a Christian when he was 16, and has loved his time at Moorlands. In particular, he has enjoyed getting to grips with the Bible and being exposed to the true wonders of God's grace himself, while developing a love of helping others discover those same wonders. He can think of nothing better than spending the next couple of years being a Ministry Trainee. He loves getting out and about in the outdoors kayaking and mountaineering, or getting into a good book and drinking tea. He may also have a slight addiction to Bourbon biscuits but don’t try and tell him that…

Sally Miller

Sally grew up in Watford, just north of London, and was very blessed to have been brought up by Christian parents. She came to Lancaster to study English Literature and Creative Writing at Lancaster University, and, despite her original lack of geographical knowledge of the surrounding area, it definitely grew on her.

Sally first came to Moorlands in her first year at university, and has really loved her three years there learning more about God and His word. She loves reading and writing, preferably when accompanied by a nice cup of tea.

Andrew Blain

Andrew was born in Paisley, Scotland, but unfortunately didn't stay to acquire the beautiful Glaswegian accent. Instead, he lived 6 years in East Yorkshire, then a year in Australia, 6 years in Vietnam and then 2 years in Azerbaijan before coming to university to study engineering. But he went all these places with 2 Christian parents and 3 Christian siblings, for whom he's very thankful! His parents are currently settled in west London.

Andrew only started coming to Moorlands in his fourth year at university, but has found it a real warm and loving family. He's especially grateful for all the encouraging people who communicate the gospel to him on a regular basis! He likes board games, movies, video games, chocolate ice cream, having a kick around with friends as well as more lazy sports, like foosball.