Introduction
Today, on Christmas Day, I embark upon a humble yet significant venture—the first official post of “Quiet Andrew.” This day, sacred in its celebration of hope and the birth of Jesus Christ, Immanuel, or “God with Us,” is fitting for such a beginning. My hope rests wholly in Jesus Christ, whose light has guided my path for nearly 45 years. The Apostle Peter exhorts us in 1 Peter 3:15 to always be prepared to offer a reason for the hope within us, and so I offer this space as my own humble contribution toward that end.
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” – 1 Peter 3:15 (NKJV)
This website serves as both a personal chronicle of faith and a resource for those seeking the peace, freedom, and joy that only Jesus Christ can provide. Over the course of this journey, I hope to share why my faith has grown stronger with time—requiring less blind trust and more of a reasoned acknowledgment of the truth I have discovered.
Why “Quiet Andrew”?
The name “Quiet Andrew” carries personal and biblical significance. Andrew is my middle name, and I have always found the disciple and apostle Andrew a figure of quiet yet profound influence. He appears to embody the spiritual gift of service, working behind the scenes with humility, facilitating others in their journeys of faith. I imagine him as an introverted yet deeply committed servant of Christ—qualities I see reflected in my own character. I will explore this further in an upcoming article titled “Andrew the Facilitator,” but for now, let us remain focused on this introduction.
The Goals of Quiet Andrew
This project has two primary aims: to document my reflections and curate Christian resources. It serves as both a tool for personal spiritual growth and a guide for others seeking to deepen their faith and understanding. In essence, it is a shared journey—a means to strengthen my own relationship with Christ while helping others grow in theirs.
Secondly, this project forms the foundation of a “Neighborhood Mission” strategy—a gentle, non-intrusive approach to evangelism tailored for introverts and those facing similar challenges. The goal is to plant spiritual seeds in the local community, sharing truth and love without pressure or fear. As someone who is introverted, potentially neurodivergent, and familiar with barriers like social anxiety, PTSD, or depression, I understand the struggles with traditional evangelism. Yet, I firmly believe that God equips each of us uniquely to fulfill His purposes, regardless of our limitations.
My Journey of Faith
To explain the vision behind Quiet Andrew, I must first share a glimpse of my own journey. From childhood, I was an introvert—shy, sensitive, and contemplative. Social interactions often felt overwhelming, and I struggled to find my place in the world. Yet, it was in this quietness that the seeds of faith were sown. At the age of six, I encountered Jesus Christ through the AWANA program, a Bible-based children’s ministry dedicated to teaching the gospel and nurturing young faith. The program’s guiding verse, 2 Timothy 2:15, remains etched in my heart:
“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” – 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)
My adolescence was marked by challenges—loneliness, bullying, and a sense of being “different.” Yet, through these trials, my faith endured. In adulthood, despite a fulfilling career in the video game industry and a loving family, I felt a persistent calling to ministry. Now, at 50, I find myself at a high point in life, ready to embrace that calling in earnest.
Evangelism for the Introverted Soul
How does one with “neurodivergent traits” and social anxiety pursue evangelism? Through Quiet Andrew, I aim to explore and implement methods of sharing faith that align with my strengths. Love—perfected in Christ—casts out fear, as 1 John 4:18 reminds us. It is this love that motivates my desire to share the gospel and provide a space for others who feel similarly constrained by fear or limitation.
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.” – 1 John 4:18 (NKJV)
A Closing Reflection
If the Bible is true—and I firmly believe it is—then the stakes of this earthly life are profound. It is a time of choosing, of sifting, and of seeking. God, the Master Architect of the universe, invites us to know Him and embrace the life offered through His Son. Quiet Andrew is a place for seekers of truth, for those yearning to grow in their relationship with Christ, and especially for those who long to share their faith but feel hindered by fear, introversion, or other challenges.
May this be a space of encouragement, discovery, and hope. Merry Christmas, and may you find peace in Jesus Christ.
With humility and love,
Derek Andrew