Kimberly's Freshman Journey

Praise God because I have successfully finished my freshman year. Throughout this season, He never left me, and He never allowed me to go through it without learning valuable lessons.

Being a freshman in a Bible school has been a journey filled with both emotions and learning. Before entering CBSIS, I prayed that the Lord would prepare my heart. I had many questions and uncertainties, and there were times when I cried to Him because I felt unready and unwilling to go. However, as the months passed, the Lord answered many of my prayers and gave me peace, leading me to take this step of faith.

As I entered the school, I was grateful to our pastor because he told us what we should expect and what we should not expect. Because of that, I was already aware of some of the possible challenges and realities of staying in a Bible school. During my time studying and living there, I realized that the environment and way of learning at CBSIS are quite different, and that is something I truly appreciate. Most of what we study is about God and His Word, which is the very reason why we are there.

I am thankful because what I once only imagined became a reality. I used to dream of being in a place where I could freely study God's Word every day without being mocked or discouraged, and now I have experienced that. I also learned that studying God's Word is not a simple task. There are many things that need to be understood in order to interpret Scripture correctly, especially since it was written in a different time and culture from our own.

Beyond the knowledge I gained in the classroom, the Lord also used this season to teach and remind me of many important lessons that have shaped my character, ministry, and walk with Him. I learned and was reminded that God is in control of every situation. There are things that He allows because He has a purpose and lessons He wants me to learn. At times, some situations are also the consequences of my own actions. There are also things that God does not allow because they are not aligned with His plan and could potentially harm me and my relationship with Him.

I also learned how to be more careful with my words toward others, how to develop greater patience, how to submit to authority, and how to stand up for myself when necessary. I learned when to say “yes” and when to say “no.” In ministry, I learned that serving God should not be done out of obligation. What is needed is a surrendered heart. I was reminded that my service is not meant to please the people around me but to please God. I serve others because that is what God has called me to do.

The Lord also reminded me of the importance of integrity in ministry. I should not serve faithfully only when people are watching. Instead, I should always remember that God sees everything I do. Because He is omnipresent, I am continually accountable to Him. This truth challenged me to serve with sincerity and faithfulness, not for the approval of others but for the glory of God.

Another lesson I learned concerns children's ministry. It is not something to be taken lightly. As a teacher, I must come prepared because my students are not my experiments; they are real people with souls that need to hear the Gospel. I need to study my lessons carefully and ensure that every part of the class supports and reinforces the biblical truth I am teaching. Even the activities should connect to the lesson and help the children understand God's Word more clearly.

I also learned that I should never assume children are incapable of understanding deeper biblical truths. Just as their minds are challenged in school, they should also be challenged to think carefully about God's Word. This means I must know what I am teaching and why I am teaching it. As Howard Hendricks wrote in his book 'Teaching to Change Lives', if I want my students to think, I must first know how to think myself.

I am also grateful because the school is generous to its students. Every freshman has the opportunity to become a scholar, and half of our tuition can be worked off through service on weekends during our freshman year. In addition, every Sunday we attend a partner church where we are given opportunities to lead ministries and teach in outreach programs and children's Sunday School classes. Although this opportunity lasts for only one year, which is a little sad for the children, I am thankful that each year new students are given the chance to continue teaching and ministering to them.

I am also thankful for the friendships and relationships I have built with the students and staff at CBSIS. What makes these relationships special is that Christ is at the center of them. It is truly encouraging to strengthen one another in faith and prayer alongside people who are willing to help, guide, and support you. I am also grateful because the Lord helped me realize that there are things I can do through His strength and for His glory—such as singing, leading, designing, and many other opportunities to serve Him.

Likewise, I rejoice because the Lord is truly a great Provider. He provided a sponsor for my studies in Bible school. At first, I often wondered where the finances would come from, but now whenever I think about it, my heart is filled with gratitude and joy because I have seen how God works in His own way and in His perfect timing. I am deeply thankful to the Lord for His goodness. From the very beginning of my freshman year until its completion, He has been with me every step of the way, sustaining me, guiding me, and faithfully carrying me through.

Looking back on this freshman year, I can truly say that God has been faithful. He used this season to teach me, correct me, challenge me, provide for me, and help me grow in my relationship with Him. From the lessons learned inside the classroom to the experiences gained through ministry and service, every part of this journey has reminded me of His goodness and grace. To God be all the glory for a blessed, fruitful, and unforgettable freshman year.