Introducing the Heaneys
Robert and Sharon are from N. Ireland. They have been married for ten years and have a four year old son called Sam who was born in Oxford (02/11/05). Robert is an ordained Anglican priest in the Church of Ireland and has, most recently, been doing research at Oxford University as well as helping out in local ministry. Robert enjoys travelling, finding remote holiday destinations, preaching and teaching, Irish sporting teams and Manchester United.
Sharon teaches Religious Studies part-time at Bloxham School and looks after Sam. Her first book, Contextual Theology for Latin America, was published recently by Paternoster Press. Sharon enjoys playing piano as well as the violin and guitar. She is a keen swimmer, enjoys walking in the parks of Oxford and “hanging out with her boys”. Both Sharon and Robert are avid West Wing fans.
Sam delights in the parks, the museums and the fun to be found in Oxford. He loves to be active and enjoys football, rugby, swimming, drama, books, playing on his scooter and telling jokes. Most of all he enjoys drumming.
Why go to Tanzania?
Over these past few years the Heaneys have explored different possibilities for ministry but have always felt God directing them back to being involved in theological education overseas. Consequently, God willing, they will go to teach in St. John’s University, Tanzania (SJUT) in January 2010.
Robert and Sharon have done theological study and research in London, Dublin, Belfast and Oxford. They both have PhDs in theology and are committed to using this training to train others.
They will go to SJUT for three years in the first instance with four aims. First, to continue to develop BA courses. Second, to launch a new MA in Bible and Contemporary Issues. Third, to give the Dean time off to pursue his research. Fourth, to begin to lay foundations for research degrees.
Robert, Sharon and Sam write, “We are delighted to be in partnership with the Church of the Holy Ascension. We are humbled and encouraged by your generous support and look forward to meeting with you all and getting to know you. We are keen that this would be a two way partnership and that we would be some encouragement to you as you surely have been to us. Through Facebook, emails, DVDs, and our blog as well as regular prayer letters we do hope to be accessible and active in our partnership with you.”
Find out More
The Heaneys Facebook Group is “TZ News” and their blog can be found at www.heaneys.vox.com
Two DVDs have been produced “Introducing the Heaneys” and “A Short Trip to Dodoma” these can be viewed on the Facebook page or available to borrow from Rob Mullock our Crosslinks ambassador.
