5 minutes with Niki ...

Tell us a little about you

I love Jesus, I'm a mum to 3 young beautiful and nutty children, married to my sweetheart Tim for nearly 13 years, I serve along side him in our church the Christian Family Centre in Adelaide where he is a pastor. I also happen to play the violin!

Well actually Violin has been a rather huge part of my life ever since it captivated me at 4 & 1/2 years of age. I was a rambunctious, naughty and rather nutty child with parents who didn't know what to do with their energetic little girl and someone wise suggested to get me started on an instrument to give me something each day to channel all my energies into.

I was given the violin to FIX my problematic behaviour, little did my parents know they were handing me the very thing that would open up the world to me and give me voice.

Fast forward a few years and I spent my 20s travelling the world as a concert classical violinist. Giving recitals and performances in some of the most incredible venues and sacred spaces. I played private recitals for royalty, politicians and had the privilege of visiting many developing nations and sharing music. God opened so many incredible doors I sometimes look back at some of the things I have done and think 'wow, that was pretty cool'

What's your favourite bible passage & why?

1 Corinthians 13- the passage about what Love is is something that will always be my favourite. It is often the scripture read at a wedding and a favourite if you grew up in Sunday school as a kid. I have a picture of it on my wall at home and something I read every day without fail. I don't think there has ever been a time where I have read it and thought "yay, I've got it together" they are verses that are a challenge to be like Jesus, to die to my selfishness each day and try to show real love to those in my world. As a mum of 3 small children it is fitting I have it on my wall because there is nothing quite like the patience you need when trying to get them to bed in an evening!!

How do you keep your eyes fixed on Jesus?

For me the why is what shapes the how. I fix my eyes on him because of what he did for me. I fix my eyes on him because there is has been no greater role model for me to try to live like. I fix my eyes on him because the moment you take them off of him and start seeing your life from a perspective outside of the cross - the brokenness of this world, the brokenness of myself creeps in and becomes overwhelming - I become impatient, self reliant, selfish, I loose perspective, I make poor judgements.

What would you like the next generation of Christian women to know?

No one is exactly like you and no one is called to do exactly what you are called to do, so just accept that YOU are a trail blazer and lean into Jesus and the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Don't try and find a role model in just one person. Learn what you can from many, and surround yourself with people who you admire, even if they are older than you. Some of my best friends have been much older than me, and now much younger than me!

What's one thing that you love about your local church?

The phrase my Church uses to describe it's self is "a church for all people"

When you come to my church you would notice its diversity. It really is a church for all people young, older. Many different backgrounds, ethnicities, socio economic status. We are a mixed bag of perfectly imperfect people.

I love that about our church. I hope that if anyone walked in from off the street into our church that they would feel welcome and that they belong.

What did you learn about God at a time in your life you found hard?

That God can handle how I really feel!

In my younger years when I was upset or angry about something I would hide from God. I wouldn't come to him and speak to him about those deep feelings of hurt and disappointment for fear of being a disappointment. I approached God as though he was the King in all his Glory sitting on his throne and if I was to be in his presence I needed to 'have it all together'. I didn't know what it was like to know God the 'father', the father who loves, who is kind, who will never disappoint.

It wasn't until years later through a really painful time in my life that I realised that God can handle me! God can handle my anger! My crazy, selfish thoughts and won't reject me, or tell me to pull it together and come back to him when I'm thinking more rationally.

To know that he loves me, every messy bit has changed everything.

What are you passionate about? I'm passionate about seeing people use their gifts for Gods glory. I'm passionate about people using their artistic gifts and the the unique way they see the world to create something of purpose, to bring people to an awareness of Gods existence. Artists have an opportunity to influence and shape culture and sharing the good news through their unique gifts. I'm passionate about seeing people of faith have a prophetic voice into our culture. My favourite composer JS Bach was inspired by his faith and saw his music as an offering to God. He is a grandfather of Classical music and created a new system of writing, not to mention some of the most moving and meaningful music works of all time. His influence in music is boundless and has lasted hundreds of years. I'm passionate about the JSBachs out there in the world today with an idea, a passion, a talent, a new perspective to use their gifts and do what they are created to do. If I can be an encouragement to anyone in anyway that is what I am passionate about.

What do you enjoy doing when you rest?

Walks along the beach

Cooking with my 6 year old daughter

Trashy TV- I know I shouldn't admit it but hey!!

Editor's addition :)

SACRED: Track 1 - Amazing Grace + Cornerstone Track 2 - Psalm 23 Track 3 - Ave Maria Track 4 - O Holy Night Track 5 - O Lord Your Beautiful Track 6 - Spiegel Im Spiegel Track 7 - The Mission Track 8 - Great Is Thy Faithfulness Track 9 - It Is Well With My Soul