This is the story of a first-year student in the World Race Seminary. I enrolled in August, attended a weeklong “orientation” in September, and spent the next few months preparing for the beginning of “classes” in January.
I was in the process of registering for “Introduction to International Missions” and “Life Calling 101” when my Advisor guided me toward another plan. “Are You sure about this?” I asked Him nervously. He gently replied, “Trust Me. I will be with you every step of the way.” So I decided to surrender everything to Him.
My schedule of classes had not been at all what I expected, but I have found it to be exactly what I need. I have found myself enrolled in Dying to Self, which meets daily and is a prerequisite for… well… everything. I am also taking the Refinement Series, including classes in Humility, Brokenness and Inner Healing.
I am also participating in a practicum in Community. This experiential learning has proved both challenging and rewarding. I have learned that we are created to live in community with others – that it is good for the soul. I have also noticed that living in community reveals our truest selves. My classmates have seen me at my best and at my worst. The best part is that we’re all committed to taking this class together.
I had originally registered for a class called “International Ministry,” but this practicum was renamed “Loving Others Worldwide.” I entered this class hoping to understand the methods and equations for ministry. But there is no formula for loving people. I have learned, instead, to make plans and let my Teacher change them at any time. I have learned to follow His instructions very carefully, for they are as unique as the people I meet.
Lastly, I have been able to occasionally sit in on the following courses: How to Love Drunk Homeless Men, Giving a Message in Your Secondary Language, and World Racing: Hurry Up and Wait.
I have had amazing teachers. Aside from the Spirit of the Almighty God, I have been accompanied by such wise and humble teachers as Gene Edwards, Oswald Chambers, Andrew Murray, Seth Barnes, Gary Black, Andrew Sherman, Tom Davis, and others, along with second-year student Chad Mast and my fellow classmates.
This is a school of transformation. I know that there is much more to learn, and I pray that we all will continue to be willing and passionate students.
