Shamell's Freshman Journey

One year ago, I entered Center for Biblical Studies Institute and Seminary with a heart full of joy, excitement, and gratitude to God. For almost two years, I prayed for this opportunity, and finally seeing God's answer unfold before my eyes was a blessing I will never forget. Today, by God's grace alone, I can say that He has been faithful through every challenge, lesson, tear, prayer, and victory.

From homesick nights to ministry opportunities, from moments of doubt to moments of growth, God never stopped working in my life. This freshman year was more than an academic journey—it was a journey of learning to trust, obey, and depend on Him.

By the grace of God, I have finally completed my freshman year in Bible school. Looking back, I can truly say that this year was one of the most challenging, meaningful, and life-changing seasons of my life. It was not only a year of studying God's Word but also a year of growth, training, and learning to trust Him more.

One of the biggest changes for me was leaving home for the first time. It was difficult because I was used to being with my family every day, especially my siblings. I missed the simple moments we shared together. Being away from them made me realize how much I love and appreciate my family. At first, everything felt new and unfamiliar, and I had to learn how to adjust to living away from home.

During my first days at school, I struggled a lot with homesickness. In fact, on my very first day, I already felt it. The campus was quiet because only a few students had arrived, and the silence made me miss home even more. For almost a week, I had difficulty sleeping. Every night, I would quietly cry in my bed because I did not want my dormmates to hear me. Looking back now, it sounds funny, but at that time it was very difficult. Yet through those lonely nights, God comforted me and reminded me that I was exactly where He wanted me to be.

Another challenge for me was learning to wake up early for personal devotions. Before coming to Bible school, I was used to having my devotions at night whenever I could find time. Adjusting to a new routine was not easy, but God taught me the importance of starting my day with Him. Little by little, I learned to enjoy spending time with God in the morning and allowing His Word to guide me throughout the day.

As a working scholar, I also learned many valuable lessons through work. Every morning, we had campus work, and every weekend we cleaned different areas of the school. Although the tasks were sometimes tiring, I learned that even simple work can be done for the glory of God. These experiences taught me discipline, humility, responsibility, and the importance of serving faithfully. I believe God used these opportunities to train me for the future ministry He has prepared for me.

Academically, my freshman year was both challenging and exciting. During my first semester, I noticed that I struggled more with some of my major subjects than with my general subjects. There were times when I felt discouraged because I wanted to do well, especially in the subjects related to ministry. I prayed and asked God to help me understand His Word better and give me wisdom in my studies. Through His grace, He helped me improve and enjoy learning more. One of my favorite subjects during the first semester was Evangelism because it reminded me of God's heart for the lost and the importance of sharing the Gospel. During the second semester, I especially enjoyed Hermeneutics because it helped me understand how to properly study and interpret God's Word. Honestly, I enjoyed all of my Bible subjects because each one helped me know God more deeply and strengthened my relationship with Him.

One of the greatest blessings of this year was the opportunity to teach Sunday School children. Although it was not my first time teaching, since our pastor had already trained and allowed us to teach in our church before entering Bible school, it was still a new experience for me. Every Sunday at Hilltop Life Baptist Church, I had opportunities to teach children from different backgrounds. Preparing lessons and teaching God's Word challenged me to study more and depend on God's wisdom. Through the children, God also taught me many lessons about faith, joy, and love. Seeing them learn about Jesus brought great joy to my heart.

Another meaningful ministry experience was joining the outreach ministry under HLBC. The freshmen were assigned to different barangays, and I was assigned to Hankuk. Every week, I witnessed God's faithfulness as many children attended our outreach activities. I believe it was God who brought them there so they could hear His Word. Teaching, singing, praying, and spending time with the children became one of the highlights of my freshman year. Through this ministry, God reminded me of His love for every soul and strengthened my desire to serve Him.

God also blessed me with wonderful people during this journey. I am thankful for my classmates who became my friends, prayer partners, and fellow workers in ministry. I am also grateful for the seniors, staff, mentors, and teachers who guided, encouraged, and corrected us whenever needed. Their lives became examples that helped me grow both spiritually and personally.

However, not every moment was easy. There was a time when I seriously thought about quitting. I even went to the office because I was considering finishing only one year at CBS. At that time, many worries filled my mind. I struggled with overthinking, personal concerns, relationships with people around me, financial challenges, and many other things. Instead of focusing on my studies, I found myself carrying many burdens. But God did not allow me to face those struggles alone. Through the encouragement of the staff, my mentors, and other people God placed in my life, I found strength to continue. Looking back, I am thankful because God used those people as His instruments to help me during one of the hardest seasons of my freshman year.

Throughout this journey, I also witnessed God's faithful provision. Time and time again, He provided for my needs in ways that I could never have imagined. He used churches, sponsors, family members, and many kind-hearted people to support my studies. I am especially thankful for Calaca Baptist Church for continually helping us continue our education and for all the individuals whom God used to provide financial assistance and encouragement. Through these experiences, I learned that God truly is Jehovah Jireh, our Provider.

This year, God taught me many important lessons. He taught me to trust Him even when I do not understand His plans. He taught me to be patient during difficult seasons, faithful in small responsibilities, and dependent on His strength instead of my own. He reminded me that growth often happens through challenges and that His grace is always sufficient.

I am also thankful for Hilltop Church, which became our church family while studying. Through Sunday services, Sunday School classes, ministry opportunities, and fellowship with believers, God used the church to help us grow spiritually and prepare us for future ministry work, especially as we move into our practical training next school year.

Most importantly, God continued to confirm His calling in my life. During my time in Bible school, He deepened my burden for souls, especially for my own family and loved ones who need Christ. He reminded me of the importance of sharing the Gospel and serving Him wherever He leads me. As I studied His Word and became involved in ministry, my desire to be used by Him continued to grow stronger. Though I still have much to learn, I am thankful that God is patiently shaping me according to His purpose.

My prayer life has also grown this year. I learned to pray not only when I needed something but also to spend time with God simply because I wanted to know Him more. Through prayer, I found comfort, strength, wisdom, and peace during difficult moments.

My Bible reading also became more meaningful. Instead of reading simply to finish a passage, I learned to meditate on God's Word and apply it to my life. The more I studied the Bible, the more I saw God's faithfulness, love, and wisdom.

As I finish my freshman year and prepare to enter my second year, my heart is filled with gratitude. I thank God for every lesson, every challenge, every ministry opportunity, every friendship, every answered prayer, and every provision He gave throughout this year. I know that the journey ahead is not always easy, but I trust the God who called me. I continue to pray that He will provide for my studies, raise up sponsors and supporters, and help me remain faithful to His calling. If God was faithful during my freshman year, I know He will continue to be faithful in the years ahead. To God be all the glory!