Student Highlight with Randolph Joseph

By Maddie Willis

Meet Randolph (Randy) Joseph, a passionate missionary and student in our Equip program. Originally from Trinidad, Randy has dedicated the past 16 years of his life to missionary work, including time in Aruba. It was during this time in Aruba that he connected with the Westbrooks and was encouraged by Dr. Tim Westbrook to explore opportunities that could benefit his home. Randy is now with us working towards his second Bible degree through Equip. With this degree, his goal is to return home and impact churches in the Caribbean. 

Deciding to join the Equip program, for Randy, was driven by a desire to deepen his biblical knowledge and better serve the churches in the Caribbean. As someone who has always had a passion for this study, this is actually his second Bible degree, though it is the first one he is pursuing in person. Randy has previously studied through other institutions that made provisions for overseas students, but this time he was drawn to the hands-on approach of the Equip program.

For Randy, this journey is about more than just academic achievement; it is about equipping churches in the Caribbean to build strong, sustainable ministry structures. “Many churches in the Caribbean lack direction and support, and as a result, many gifted individuals end up staying in the U.S. for opportunities,”Randy states. “We want to go back home and help those churches develop strong ministries—teaching, supporting, and providing opportunities for growth.”

So far, Randy has enjoyed the experience of engaging with a diverse group of students and professors, both online and in person at Harding. While still adjusting to the pace and challenges of the program, a class he has found immense joy in is his theater class. In addition to ministry, Randy has a passion for writing movie scripts! He loves that he is able to take a class with others who share his creative interests. 

When asked about the most helpful aspect of the program, Randy highlights the connections he is  making with fellow believers along the way. “The relationships and networking opportunities have been invaluable,” he says. “The people you meet here can really make a difference in your ministry and your future. I’ve already seen that through getting an internship at my dream church, Renaissance Church of Christ, in Atlanta” where he will spend his summer! 

Looking ahead, Randy plans to use his degree to create a ministry program in the Caribbean that will help churches build stronger foundations. “Many churches in the Caribbean are without proper structure and support,” Randy comments. “I want to be part of the solution—equipping leaders, giving them resources, and helping them create programs that serve their communities.”

Randy’s ministry work in the Caribbean will contribute to incredible growth in their churches. “I see myself pursuing academic opportunities, but I also want to continue creating spaces for churches to thrive. I believe the Caribbean can be a hub for strong, gospel-centered ministries, and I’m excited to be part of that.”

Randy describes his decision to pursue this program as a “faith move.” Although it initially seemed like a diversion from his original plans, it has become clear that God is using this opportunity to shape his future. “The opportunities are multiplying—meeting people, building networks, and seeing where God leads,” he reflects. “I’m excited to see how this will all come together.”

This journey Randy is on is a testament to the power of faith, education, and community. As he continues his studies with Equip, his commitment to strengthening the church in the Caribbean and beyond is sure to make a lasting impact. We are proud to have him as a part of our Equip family here at Harding!