While the majority of Northland’s
students have spent most of the past several months busy with academics and
extracurricular activities here on campus, a few enjoyed the privilege of
carrying their textbooks with them around the world. These three returned to
Wisconsin just in time to wrap up concluding projects and take final exams
before heading for home. As they reflect on a busy and productive several
months, each one of these students overflows with praise to God for growth
experienced and lessons learned over the course of the semester.
Senior Khrystyne Khaliqi served at Harvest
Ministries in Guam teaching eighth grade reading and tenth and eleventh grade
life skills classes in addition to working in a coffee shop and with an
extended care after-school program for elementary-aged children. When asked
what the Lord taught her over these past few months, Khrystyne commented, “I’m
never qualified to serve Him or to do the things He asks me to do. It’s not about what degree I have, how old I
am, or the experience I have. Those things don’t qualify me to serve God. I
learned that we can’t glorify God without His enabling us to glorify Him.”
Junior Steve Isbell ministered alongside
missionaries in the Far East and dedicated most of his time to building relationships
with people for the purpose of introducing them to the Gospel. Teaching English
classes served as one venue for this outreach. Steve reflected on the impact
interacting with another culture had on his life, mentioning that he enjoyed
the food but struggled with the hectic and unpredictable aspects of the Far
Eastern culture. Key areas of growth for him spiritually included a deepened
reliance on God in the face of uncertainty and a fuller awareness of the
importance of continuous prayer in a believer’s life.
After a semester of ministry in Peru,
junior Alicia Ball shared what God showed her through her time overseas. “He taught
me that He is truly sufficient in every situation. If I am seeking to find my
satisfaction in anything but Him I will be discouraged, and I will not be able
to serve others in the way that I should.” Alicia’s ministry opportunities
included working with the church youth group on a community building project
and assisting with church music.
As these three students prepare to
return home for the Christmas holiday season, they do so with hearts of joy and
thankfulness to the Lord for His work in and through their lives over the past
semester. Lessons learned and experiences garnered over these few months will
linger throughout their lives.