Jasmine Martin
At the beginning of the year my father had found an article about the Semester in Scotland Program in New Horizons Magazine. Knowing that I had always wanted to study abroad, and desired an excuse to come to Scotland, he showed me the article, "Maybe this is something you should look into." he said, half expecting me to say no.
I have always been a fearful person, content to remain in my comfort zone and unwilling to take any risks, so my father didn't believe that I would consider attending. I had no previous affiliation with Geneva College, no connections with Airdrie RP Church, no knowledge of what awaited across the Atlantic. It simply was not in my character to make such a brave step, yet I enquired about the program, expressed a deep interest and ultimately registered.
Before my time here I was attending a community college, pursuing an associates in arts degree in photography and slowly growing weary of the secular, and extremely liberal, atmosphere of the college. My family had been encouraging me to try a Christian college, but I was unsure, where would I go? I had a great desire to further my knowledge of Biblical things and having been to Scotland before and loving the people and the atmosphere, I decided to take a step into the unknown.
To this day I'm not sure why I had made such a bold move, it was completely unexpected on both my part and my parents, but I am glad I did it. It is in those moments of complete uncertainty that God causes us to cling to Him and ultimately grow and mature in our faith.
My experience with the people of Airdrie RP Church and the SIS program has been an enormous blessing. |
My experience with the people of Airdrie RP Church and the SIS program has been an enormous blessing. God touches us through our interaction with others and in turn, uses us to touch them. I knew I had become close friends with some of the people, both in the church and in the SIS group, but the true impact we had on one another did not occur to me until the day I left. God had awakened within me a deep love and desire to see the youth of the church grow in Christ. Through the Ministry studies with SIS and the interaction with the church's youth group, God had placed it on my heart to become more involved with the young people of my home congregation. The prayers and encouragement of my class mates and the teachers spurred my desire and while I continue to seek advice and learn ways in which I can start a youth ministry in my church, I know that my time in Scotland was a starting point, both in youth ministry and in my own personal growth.
To anyone who may be reading this and is considering a semester in Scotland but is unsure for whatever reason, whether you are a student at Geneva College or not, I would encourage you to seriously pray about it. Sometimes the only way we can grow is through stepping out of our comfort zones, separating ourselves from all that is familiar, and going into the unknown with God as our only companion. Believe me, a step of faith for His Kingdom is a step you will never regret, it is well worth every risk you will take.