From Rock Bottom to Redemption

Cory Crook grew up on 360 acres of farmland in a small village called Limbri, not far from Tamworth. Raised primarily by his grandparents—strong believers during his early years—he was introduced to the reality of God from a young age. But as he entered his teenage years, life took a different turn.

By 15, Cory’s world had become dominated by alcohol, drugs, and the distractions of the world.

Cory shares, “I was 36 when my wife and I separated and eventually divorced. I became more addicted to drugs and alcohol, and this continued for a couple of years until I reached a point that felt so low that I cried ‘there must be more than this, this can’t be what life is’. A few months before my 38th birthday my sister came to me and asked if I wanted to go camping with her, I said no at first but then a few days later I changed my mind and went (I now know what changed my mind)”. 

That camping trip became a turning point. One of Cory’s other sisters was also there and she had brought a friend. That night, Cory and this friend talked for hours about God.

“After camping we kept in touch, and I wanted to know more about her but also about this Jesus she spoke about. The more I found out about Jesus the more I wanted to know Him. I started going to a church in Coffs Harbour learning as much as I could. After a few weeks I was driving home from church and I felt an overwhelming urge to ask Jesus to come into my life and be my Lord and Saviour, I felt an overflowing warmth rushing through my body like waves hitting me,” he recalls.

From that moment, everything changed.

By God’s grace, Cory was delivered from his addictions. He later married the woman he met on that camping trip, and together they now have a blended family of seven children, with another on the way. Cory’s newfound faith also stirred a desire to serve others. He began volunteering at a Christian drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre, and at the end of last year, after seeking God and speaking with his pastor, he felt called to ministry, which led him to begin training with Vocational Bible College (VBC).

This year, Cory commenced his studies with VBC and is now serving as an apprentice at Coffs Harbour Baptist Church with the desire to become a pastor. “Training with VBC is and has been a great learning experience,” he says. “The subjects are always helpful and full of God’s Word. I’ve learned more on what it means to be a godly husband and father… I’ve learned easy ways to evangelise to people… and I’m currently learning how to disciple new Christians…and how to balance life and ministry.” 

Cory is grateful that the course is online and made accessible for people like him, with a large family and busy lifestyle. He shares, “The trainers are always helpful, kind and patient and always ready to help. I feel God has blessed VBC and its trainers to help equip and train Christians to spread the Gospel.” 

“The apostle Paul encourages Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:15–17, ‘And you know that from infancy you have known the sacred Scriptures, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.’”

Cory continues, “In the same way, I would encourage Christians who are looking to train in the Word of God, to study at VBC. It’s filled with God-centred, Biblical teachings, and it’s accessible to people with busy lives. It’s encouraging, fun, and full of interesting people who want to know Jesus. There’s been trials and temptations along the way, but God has blessed us day after day. I gave my life to Christ when I was 38, I’m now 42, and in the span of four years God has brought me from out of the world and into His fold. He’s changed me, shaped me and blessed me more than I could have ever dreamed. His path can be hard and tiresome sometimes, but if you lean on Him in all things, He will always bring you through it.”

If you feel called to go deeper in your walk with God, or to prepare for ministry, we encourage you to consider studying with VBC. With Christ-centered teaching, supportive trainers, and flexible online learning, VBC exists to equip everyday believers for extraordinary Kingdom impact—just like Cory.