Getting to know: Ire Faks

We continue our ‘Getting to Know’ series as we learn a little more about Ire Faks, who you may have seen singing in the choir at 11am services and may have also heard playing the organ.

How are you involved with church life?
I’m heavily involved in the music ministry at church. Singing in the choir and occasionally playing for services allows me to connect with God in a powerful and creative way. There’s something truly special about blending voices and instruments to lead others in worship. Beyond the music, I enjoy volunteering for community outreach projects like food drives and charity events. These roles help me stay connected to the wider church family and let me put my faith into action.

What does life look like for you outside church?
Outside of church, I juggle a busy schedule that includes work and spending quality time with my family. My job is challenging, but thankfully it offers enough flexibility for me to attend choir practices and special rehearsals. My family is supportive of my involvement at church; they love attending the services where I sing or play. When I’m not at work or with family, I enjoy reading about music theory, exploring nature on long walks, and occasionally composing simple melodies. Balancing these priorities can be hectic, but it’s rewarding and keeps life interesting.

Who inspires you and why?
One person who deeply inspires me is Corrie ten Boom. Although she wasn’t a “missionary” in the traditional sense, she lived out her Christian faith in a remarkable way during World War II by helping Jewish people hide from Nazi persecution. While others might have been paralysed by fear, Corrie and her family chose to risk their own safety to protect innocent lives. Her courage and faith-driven compassion show me what it means to truly love people beyond boundaries whether they are of a different faith, background, or culture. Her story reminds me that following Christ can mean stepping out of our comfort zones to serve those we might otherwise never encounter.

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?

If I could change just one thing, it would be to cultivate deeper empathy and unity among people from all walks of life. So much suffering results from misunderstanding, fear, and a lack of genuine connection. I believe that if we sought to see others the way God sees them: worthy, loved, and full of potential, we could bridge cultural, religious, and social divides. Even from the fragile pieces of our present, we hold the power to forge the future we yearn for one act of compassion and faith at a time.

What helps you connect with God both in and outside church?
Within the church setting, music is my most powerful bridge to God. Singing in the choir and playing instruments during services fill me with a sense of reverence and unity; it feels like I’m offering my whole heart in worship. Outside of church, I find God in simple, quiet moments like early morning prayer, reading Scripture, or sitting at the piano in my living room to play hymns or worship songs. Nature also speaks to me of God’s presence; taking a walk through the woods or along a lake shore reminds me of the beauty and grandeur of creation. These varied experiences, both in and outside church, allow me to continually deepen my faith and stay connected to God’s love.