Student Chat: Encouragement Makes the Difference
I want to say thanks so much to Dr. Gary W. Haines (National Alumni Public Relations), for his prayers, blessings and support! I really appreciate his personal word of encouragement! It is encouragement like this, that makes studying at °Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï all worthwhile.
I believe that suffering, even if for a little while, does help us to grow into the person God calls us to be, and I would not want to have it any other way! My journey from being in complete rebellion, to becoming a pastor has been long and arduous. If being a pastor was easy, everyone would be doing this. But, we are called by God, and I believe God fully honors all who respond to this call in earnest. I remember God stripping away all of my personal safety nets when He called me, so I would solely rely on Him. Who chooses that? Only the one who totally believes that this call is from God alone!
I find °Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï very challenging, but extremely helpful. Everyone on staff has been nothing but very kind to me in this process. Thank you again °Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï for all your help! My call started in 2009, but it did not start in earnest until 2012. This is my third class with °Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï, and I have completed 14 courses in the Elder track.
I love the Nazarene church and its call to Holiness. Being saved and sanctified for God's plans is right where I want to be. All my fellow pastors, teachers and educators have sharpened me to be this man I am now. Joshua 1:9 has given me the courage to move forward in this call. In fact, this verse is the verse that affirmed my call: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." I will live all my days, honoring this call.
Bob Wiedman, °Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï Student and Associate Pastor Media Church of the Nazarene
Published: 04/29/2019
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