I graduated from Grace Christian University in 2016 with my Bachelors in Religious Education and dual-enrolled at Cornerstone University to complete my Bachelors in Secondary Education. When I reflect on my time at Grace, I think about the growth that happened in my life through the people I met and the ministry opportunities I had at Grace.
I met some wonderful people and made some fun memories. I loved Professor Long’s Bible classes and Dr. Sam’s theology classes. I loved having classes at Cornerstone with my Grace friends. I loved visiting downtown Grand Rapids with friends on Friday nights throughout my freshman year and late-night talks on the kitchen floor of Blackburn during my senior year. These friendships have continued beyond college as we have visited each other and have traveled around the world together.
Not only did I meet some incredible people at Grace, but I also realized the value of serving others. It is so easy to get wrapped up in all the things we have to do for ourselves, but when we look past our own needs and begin looking for how we can meet the needs of others amazing things happen. Joy thrives when other people are being served. Our society may suggest that we will be most joyful when we are meeting our own wants, but that is far from true. Through my opportunities for Christian Ministries while at Grace, I learned how much serving others brings joy to all. I had many opportunities to be involved with Christian Ministries. I learned so much through those experiences. One of my favorites was leading Ladies Bible Studies. I was able to lead several Bible Study small groups while at Grace, and those experiences gave me the confidence to continue leading Bible Studies after graduation.
Since graduation, I moved to Mobile, Alabama, graduated with my Masters in Professional Writing, and am beginning my fifth year teaching at a public high school in the fall. While school may look different because of the impact of Covid-19, I know that my mission will still be the same and that is to make sure my students know they are valued and show them how to be leaders in society. In my Young Ladies Bible Study, I continue to have joy watching young ladies encourage each other and learn God’s Word together. We have had our share of hardships together including seeing one of our young ladies go on to glory, but even through that, these young ladies have drawn closer to the Lord because of our time spent together in God’s Word. I can honestly say that without the influence of Grace Christian University in my life I would be a different person than I am today and have a different mission. Today, I have a mission of mentoring others and ministering to the needs of others. I am thankful for the people and ministry opportunities at Grace Christian University.
Written by Anna Lange
