Q. Who encouraged you the most to learn biblically? (examples: your school, teacher, parents)

A. I would have to say that my parents are the ones that encouraged my sisters and I the most. From when we were infants, they were constantly teaching us Christian songs & Bible verses, and helping us memorize bible verses. They were the ones that taught us the value of having daily devotions and prayer. My parents made sure that we attended a solid, Bible-believing/preaching church were we could be nurtured in the Word. They themselves upheld the best of testimonies and "practiced what they preached".

Q. As a Christian (student), what advice would you give to other students who are trying to see how to use their education biblically?

A. My encouragement would be to actively seek the Lord's will for their lives. The first step is to ensure that you are walking with the Lord. He will not bless you if you are just selfishly pursuing your own heart's desires. I am living proof of this. I ran from God's will for so long, and it led me on a path of unwise and life-altering choices. Not everyone is called to full-time ministry (i.e. pastor, foreign missionary, evangelist) BUT we are all called to be missionaries in some respect. I do not believe that is wrong or sinful to pursue a secular career. In fact, I would encourage it if that is a particular calling, because we need solid Christians out there in the work-places. This means that the bible classes are just as important to the "preacher boys" as they are to every liberal arts major. My advice is this: learn all you can about WHY you believe what you believe and how to defend the faith. Because once you get out in the real world, "Because my parents and church say so" just will not cut it anymore.

Q. What resources would you suggest to students to look into in helping them understanding things biblically while they are attending secular school

A. My parents have always been the primary source of my Biblical training outside of church. My father graduated from Bible college, so he has been able to explain a lot to me as well. My pastor and teen class Sunday School teacher would be the other primary sources that come to mind. There are messages and lessons that I can still distinctly remember that have helped me when facing various issues.

There are a number of outside sources that I have used as well, both literature and online in origin. Some books that have helped me tremendously are: Changed into His Image by Jim Berg, Wild at Heart by John Eldredge , The Passion of Jesus Christ by John Piper, The Power of Prayer, Jim Berg's study on Purity, Cross and Crescent by Colin Gilbert Chapman, and several biographies including that of Jim Elliot, Hudson Taylor and Adoniram Judson.

The MacArthur and Ryrie Study Bible notes have been a great help in study and interpretation during devotions, as well as the Life Application Bible and then the study tools and resources offered in the package with the ESV Study Bible.

StudyGodsword.com is my home church's website with a number of bible messages available. Another church here in Wisconsin has great sermons too on fallsbc.org. Biblegateway.com is a great tool for anyone because of the ability to search all of Scripture in a matter of seconds and also has a number of additional resources including commentaries.

Q. How do you use your education for God?

A. God has given me a passion for medicine and I always thought about becoming a medical missionary. I am not sure if this is still the exact path He has for me. I have just switched my major from Biology-Premed to Humanities-Applied Science. After graduation, I am considering staying at MBBC for seminary and getting a Master's in Biblical Studies or Cross-Cultural Studies. Then, Lord-willing, I would be able to go to Physician's Assistant school and get another Master's that would enable me to practice medicine. In addition to academics, I have been able to be a part of various campus ministries as well as heavy involvement in a local church.