Hey everyone, this is the last of our series in hearing from last year's award winners. I hope that Janelle's words help get you excited to dig deeply into studies this year.
Hello Qwanoes students! Yep – that’s YOU. : D
You may not know this yet, but this year is going to change
your life. Many of you are already anticipating the incredible growth that is
going to take place. Keep it up! If you aren’t expecting much from the year
ahead, start praying that God would bless you with great excitement and
expectancy for all He is going to do in, through and around you. Because it’s not a question of IF He’s going
to grow you. The question is, HOW is He going to grow you?
One of the major ways God is going to transform your heart
and mind is through academics. I encourage you to not under-estimate the
significance of academic study. I’m sorry if I’m the one to break it to you - but
course lectures, readings and assignments are going to take up a lot of your
time and energy. However, I can tell you from personal experience that this is
a good thing! If you take advantage of your studies you will reap priceless rewards
in your spiritual life. This year you
have the amazing privilege of studying leadership principles, various areas of Christian
ministry and most importantly God’s Word under the guidance of some of
Briercrest’s best professors. Although understanding radical concepts and
managing the heavy workload is going to be a challenge, my hope and prayer is
that you embrace every moment. Soak it all in. Remember that God often
accomplishes His best work through our most stretching experiences. Invite God
to stretch your heart and mind through academics. You won’t regret it!
Maybe some of you are
now thinking: Oh dear, what am I getting
myself into?! Well, here are a few tidbits of advice I wish someone had
told me before I did the Kaléo Program. I hope they help! : )
First, do not be afraid! God gives us everything we need to
accomplish what He asks us to do each day. The transition will be smooth if you
depend on God and jump in with an eagerness to learn.
Second, do not procrastinate! Know your deadlines, keep each
other accountable and use your time wisely. Stay on top of things and you’ll
find that the workload is totally manageable.
Third, do not stress! There are going to be times when you
wonder how you’re going to get a paper in on time. One big thing I learned last
year was how to be content with doing the best I could with the time I was
given. Give each assignment your all in
whatever circumstance you find yourself, and then trust that that’s enough.
Remember Matt 6:27 – worrying just isn’t worth it.
Fourth, take advantage of your leaders! All four of your
leaders are there to help you succeed. I know each of them personally, so
believe when I say they are incredibly wise and would love to help you wrestle
with anything from theology to footnotes. Ask them lots of question, take their
advice, and don’t forget to thank them for all their hard work.
Fifth, practice what you’re learning! One of the unique
things about the Kaléo program is that you constantly receive opportunities to
apply what you’re learning in real life situations. Since genuine change of
heart and mind is reflected by your actions, these are valuable opportunities
to demonstrate true character growth.
Finally, learn as a community! Explore hard concepts
together, share what you’re learning with others, and challenge one another to
reach your full potential. Success means ALL of you succeeding together.
God says that we will find Him when we seek Him with all our
hearts. I pray that as you sit through lectures, read books, and write papers,
you pursue God with everything you’ve got. Be stoked about academics! As you do
this, He will be faithful to reveal Himself to you in new and amazing ways that
change your life forever.
All the best,
Janelle
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