Classification: Senior (08–09)*
From: Kansas
*Isaac was interviewed while he
was a senior during the 08–09 school year."How did you hear about Northland? Through Dr. Sam
Horn [Northland’s vice president for ministerial training] visiting my
church.
Why did you choose to major in cross-cultural studies?
I didn’t start out as a cross-cultural studies major, but during the
revival services my sophomore year, I felt the Lord calling me to be a
missionary.
What aspect of cross-cultural studies do you enjoy most?
You get your missions classes and your Bible classes so that you are
well-prepared for the many different facets of missions in today’s
world. I enjoy being prepared to minister in any location around the
globe—I am not too focused on just one aspect of ministry.
What are some of your favorite cross-cultural classes?
Any class with Mr. Cushman. He gives a lot of practical things but
realizes theology is also important.
What classes outside your major have been your favorites/have
impacted you? The Bible classes like Romans or First
Corinthians have been my favorite. I really enjoy the ones where we
spend a whole semester on one book.
Do you believe you are receiving an education that is
preparing you to be a servant-leader? How do you see that come
through in your major? Yes, all of the classes have a scriptural
foundation—not only the specific Bible courses. But, we are taught that
the right understanding of the Scriptures is the foundation for any
ministry. If you don’t have that foundation, you won’t be able to serve
effectively. You won’t have the knowledge, and you won’t even have the
right kind of love for others if you don’t understand what God has to
say about how to love others. It teaches true servanthood.
How do you plan on using this major in life? I feel
the Lord calling me to overseas missions, but I am planning to go on for
more education first.
Why would you recommend the cross-cultural major to a
prospective student? We need many more missionaries going into
places where people have never heard the Gospel—especially in the Muslim
world.
How would you describe the cross cultural major? It’s
a good balance of the different aspects of being a missionary. You have
your preaching; you have your basic Bible and theology; and you have
your cultural training, but of all the majors, it’s the most diverse. It
will prepare you for what you do in missions—no matter where in the
world you go.
Why would you recommend Northland to a prospective student? Because
of the underlying philosophy. The teachers are training students to
really know their Bible so that they can live out the Great Commission
from the heart. They don’t want to train Pharisees—people who know the
Bible inside-out and follow the rules to show how good they are. And
yet, they aren’t teaching us to be the type of Christian who is open to
doing anything, ignoring the teaching of the Bible. It is a balanced
approach to loving God and keeping His commandments. We know that we are
in the world but not of the world. We know we are created for His
glory, not for our own self-serving desires.