With the first hints of fall in the air, I, Gary W. Streit, sat down one evening on the patio to reflect about my time at Nazarene Bible College over the last several months. Colorado Springs is a magnificent place to live with its numerous attractions, exquisite summertime sunsets, exceptionally low amounts of humidity unlike what I have been accustomed to in Illinois, Ohio, and Tennessee, and the simple, but pleasing peace that nature affords throughout this region. Gazing upon Pikes Peak is indeed an affirmation of God’s creation at its best! I’m learning that the increase in altitude is easily handled by drinking enough water and that one must make certain accommodations in his cooking methods. I can also testify as to how pleasant it is to be part of Nazarene Bible College.
Earlier this summer, I had the opportunity to speak to the NBC family at a chapel service. I spoke about beginning with the end in mind. As I suggested in chapel, “to begin with the end in mind” means to start with the clear understanding of both where you are and where you want to be. This is true, of course, in general, but might have specific meaning to those students here at NBC in Christian higher education. It suggests that one must always be aware of destination in order to keep his/her steps moving in the right direction. Christian colleges and universities have been my destination, and I have been so very fortunate for each opportunity that this journey has brought me.
I also noted, “As both a Christian higher education advocate and as vice president for academic affairs at NBC, I hold strongly to the idea that through Christ’s redemption, each of us is able to fully impact his or her own first creation and then to write our scripts for the second.” Had I been asked a few years ago where I might be at this point of my career, I would not have known it to be at this particular Christian college, but as John 16:13 reminds us, “Yet the Spirit of truth does not lead people into confusion.” It is His will that has brought me to this place, Nazarene Bible College, birthed on this Colorado Springs bluff more than forty years ago.
At Nazarene Bible College, the faculty and staff strive to assist those who are called by Christ through ministry preparation. Therefore, it is encouraging to see such steadfast women and men furthering their preparedness for service through NBC’s educational programs. Through either traditional campus delivery or online Christian education learning opportunities, NBC encourages students to follow Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.” My path has recently been directed towards working to glorify Jesus Christ as Lord by helping to prepare adults to evangelize, disciple, and minister to the world. We rest in the promise that God will lead us in the right direction as long as we are willing to follow.
(8 votes, average: 2.25 out of 5)
Loading ...