HELEENA  |  Virginia

IF YOU COULD TRAVEL TO ANY PLACE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD YOU GO? I would definitely go back to Rancho 3M.  It's an orphanage in Mexico, just over the Texas border.  I've been there twice now and fell completely in love with the children and staff. I miss them all so much!  The kids were so full of love and joy, even though they had so little.  I loved seeing God at work there.  I want nothing more than to go back, work around the orphanage, and play with the kids every chance I get.

WHAT’S SOMETHING IN YOUR LIFE THAT GIVES YOU JOY? So many things! Glorious spring days with bright blue skies, green grass, leafy trees, colorful flowers, and birds singing. Seeing God's faithfulness as He works in my life and in the lives of those around me.  Children. Rancho 3M.  My friends. My family.  Walks in the woods. Mountains.  Sunsets.  Late night conversations about God's work in our lives. The Gospel.

THE SCRIPTURE VERSE THAT COULD BEST HALLMARK THIS PAST YEAR OF MY LIFE IS God has been so faithful to me in the last year, I could name so many verses! Psalm 63, Joshua 1:9, Philippians 1:20-21, Lamentations 3:21-25... But Galatians 2:20 is definitely a major one:  "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." God has been teaching me a lot about what it means to die to self and give Him every part of me - mind, heart, soul, strength and life.  It's not something easy to do, but it's what He's called us to do and He is taking me through that process, one step at a time.

MELINDA  |   Saint Johns

IF YOU HAD 3 HOURS TO FILL ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON, WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH YOUR TIME? I would spend my 3 hours journaling, and studying my bible. Going to the beach, spending time with my friends\ family sharing heart to hearts, and playing board games. Also, praying, and writing

SOMETHING THAT GIVES ME JOY IS Watching teen girls\ young women come to Christ, and seeing them overcome struggles such as eating disorders, cutting, depression, ect. Also writing. Short stories, journaling, writing poems.  

THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE ME: artist. nurturer. contemplative.

I DESIRE TO BE KNOWN AS A: comforter.

KAYLEE |  Texas

WHO FROM CHRISTIAN HISTORY HAS HAD THE GREATEST IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE? Corrie ten Boom survived in the most difficult of circumstances. She had every reason to give in and to hate the people who persecuted her. The fact that she never lost faith, despite her circumstances, gives me the strength to conquer my own. Her life was one that reflected Jesus inside and out. She is an amazing role model, and I believe everyone should read the amazing story of her life.

WHAT’S SOMETHING IN YOUR LIFE THAT GIVES YOU JOY? Working with teens through the ministry I founded named Focus brings more joy to my life than I could ever describe. To see teens at the altar crying out to God or lifting their voices in praise is so incredible. Being able to form relationships with my "kids" and leading them to Jesus is both the most exciting and challenging part of my life. I wouldn't trade it for the world.

THE SCRIPTURE VERSE THAT COULD BEST HALLMARK THIS PAST YEAR OF MY LIFE IS Mark 9:23- "All things are possible for he who believes". My senior year in high school has been the most fun and exciting year of my life. However, there are so many options for my life. I have been so unsure of where God wants me to go... This verse has reminded me constantly that if I believe in Him  everything is possible,regardless of circumstances.

PAIGE  |   Texas

WHAT’S SOMETHING IN YOUR LIFE THAT GIVES YOU JOY? I absolutely love talking to people even if it is just casually asking how their week is going. I get joy through establishing meaningful relationships with others and being able to comfort and listen to them. 

THE SCRIPTURE VERSE THAT COULD BEST HALLMARK THIS PAST YEAR OF MY LIFE IS “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.”  Romans 12:2

IF YOU HAD 3 HOURS TO FILL ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON, WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH YOUR TIME? Most of my favorite activities involve the outdoors! A picnic in the park with friends, reading by the lake and swimming laps at Barton Springs are some ways I would spend a Saturday afternoon.

REBECCA  |   California

IF YOU COULD TRAVEL TO ANY PLACE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD YOU GO? I would love to travel around the world someday soon, so it's hard to just pick one place. Russia, Africa, and the Philippines are probably my top three.  My heart is in missions work, so I would share the gospel there, help at an orphanage, and spend time taking in the sights of the country and capture some pictures with my camera. Also, I would visit some of my friends there.

WHO FROM CHRISTIAN HISTORY HAS HAD THE GREATEST IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE? Paul for sure. His books are my favorite in the Bible and I love reading through them. Every time I read through them something I've never seen before is revealed and God opens my eyes to a whole new teaching. I can relate to a lot of things he said and his writing encourages me so much.

THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE ME: thinker.  adventurer. dreamer.

I DESIRE TO BE KNOWN AS A: servant.

REBEKAH  |   Idaho

WHO FROM CHRISTIAN HISTORY HAS HAD THE GREATEST IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE? C.S. Lewis. When I was old enough to read, I was reading The Chronicles of Narnia and grew to love Aslan deeply. Who couldn't like him?! As I grew older, I realized Aslan represented Jesus and the years I read 'The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe' became years I realized much later in life that Jesus had been pursuing me since I was very very young. Such a thought has been extremely valuable and precious to me as I grow up, that He has been looking on my life from the beginning and calling me.  Reading C.S. Lewis has continued to deepen and sweeten my faith and walk in Jesus as I have read Mere Christianity and many of his other works. 

SOMETHING THAT GIVES ME JOY IS seeing people saved and watching the power of Jesus come into their life is my deepest joy! Thinking about how my older sister witnessed to me 4 1/2 years ago about being saved. She kept on telling me, "Jesus can get you out of the pit you are in!" (Psalm 40:2) And he did!

Also, witnessing the power of how children have such a sweet and simple faith. It is so inspiring! To have such a great, joyful and complete faith in Jesus is one of my aspirations. 

THE SCRIPTURE VERSE THAT COULD BEST HALLMARK THIS PAST YEAR OF MY LIFE IS... Isaiah 40:31 - “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” (NKJV)

Waiting on God has been difficult for the past several years, but the more I rest in HIS faithfulness, the more I have praised him while waiting, and praise HIM for his perfect timing in many things in my life this past year. I have found myself thinking of how I want my life to be, and in the midst of planning, I hear Him say, "...Give me the plans of your life, and come delight yourself in me." Truly, the only place I want to be is with him and enjoying how he unfolds each piece of my life in his perfect timing! HE is faithful and trustworthy on all his promises to us. Now I am seeing the fruit of waiting on so many things in my life! 

THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE ME: thinker.  adventurer. dreamer.

I DESIRE TO BE KNOWN AS A: servant.

DAVID  |  Oregon

WHO FROM CHRISTIAN HISTORY HAS HAD THE GREATEST IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE? Hudson Taylor

THE SCRIPTURE VERSE THAT COULD BEST HALLMARK THIS PAST YEAR OF MY LIFE IS “For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews: Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men.”  1 Thess 2:14-15

THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE ME: artist.  adventurer. dreamer.

I DESIRE TO BE KNOWN AS: epic.

NELSON  |   New York

If you had 3 hours to fill on a Saturday afternoon, what you would you do with your time? I would go on a slow casual walk in the woods.

WHAT’S SOMETHING IN YOUR LIFE THAT GIVES YOU JOY? The epic grand adventure of a life that God wants me to live.

THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE ME: thinker.  adventurer. dreamer.

I WOULD DESCRIBE MYSELF AS AN: inventor..

ROXANNE  |   Ohio

WHAT’S SOMETHING IN YOUR LIFE THAT GIVES YOU JOY? Quality time for relationships...flowers...hugs and laughter of children.

THE SCRIPTURE VERSE THAT COULD BEST HALLMARK THIS PAST YEAR OF MY LIFE IS Joshua 22:5: "Only be very careful to observe the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, to love the LORD your God and walk in all His ways and keep His commandments and hold fast to Him and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul." 

Leviticus 20:7-8: "So set yourselves apart to be holy, for I am the Lord your God. Keep all my decrees by putting them into practice, for I am the Lord who makes you holy." (if you only want one verse, use the 1st one please) :) 

IF YOU HAD 3 HOURS TO FILL ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON, WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH YOUR TIME? Spend time at a park with God or connect with a friend at a coffee shop.

SUMMER 2011 student body

KNOW OUR STAFF.   KNOW OUR STUDENTS.   KNOW OUR CAMPUS LIFE.   KNOW OUR HANDBOOK.   HOME.   

MARIAH  |   Arkansas

IF YOU COULD TRAVEL TO ANY PLACE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD YOU GO? I would go back to Africa. After spending just 5 weeks in Uganda last summer, the people there have a special place in my heart. I would love on the orphans that stole my heart, visit my Compassion sponsor child and his family again and maybe sneak in another safari on the Nile River!  If I couldn’t go to Africa then I’d probably choose Thailand and rescue the girls who are enslaved in human trafficking.   

WHAT’S SOMETHING IN YOUR LIFE THAT GIVES YOU JOY? Worshiping Jesus, orphan’s hugs and kisses, African children singing, deep spiritual conversations with friends, laughing with my family! 

WHO FROM CHRISTIAN HISTORY HAS HAD THE GREATEST IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE? I have a couple, Paul for his dedication and determination to take Christ to all nations. William Wilberforce for his resilient passion for eliminating slavery and George Muller for his total reliance and rest in the provision of the Father.

NOELLE |   North Carolina

WHO FROM CHRISTIAN HISTORY HAS HAD THE GREATEST IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE? It would probably be Corrie ten Boom. I really admire how she was able to trust God so completely in her struggles and am inspired by how she could so fully forgive those who had caused her pain.

SOMETHING THAT GIVES ME JOY IS My family definitely brings me a lot of joy! Also good books and time spent with little kids :)

THE SCRIPTURE VERSE THAT COULD BEST HALLMARK THIS PAST YEAR OF MY LIFE IS Hebrews 10:23. “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” God has been teaching me a lot this past year about his faithfulness. It’s been amazing to see the things he’s brought me through that have prepared me for what’s ahead. It’s a great reminder that God always knows what’s in the future for me, and he’s more than faithful to prepare me for it!

AMANDA |   California

WHAT’S SOMETHING IN YOUR LIFE THAT GIVES YOU JOY? I love to sing all the time, I love to write songs and I love to take pictures of landscapes and flowers.

THE SCRIPTURE VERSE THAT COULD BEST HALLMARK THIS PAST YEAR OF MY LIFE IS “My strength is made perfect through your weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

“Now all glory to God who is able, through His mighty power at work within us to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” Ephesians 3:20

THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE ME: thinker.  adventurer. dreamer.

I DESIRE TO BE KNOWN AS A: warrior.

MORGAN  |   Maryland

IF YOU COULD TRAVEL TO ANY PLACE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD YOU GO? I would go back to Rwanda. I was there this past winter and I cannot wait to return and work with the orphans and genocide survivors there.

SOMETHING THAT GIVES ME JOY IS...I am a simple person so things like taking walks during the waking hours, stringing up my hammock on a warm but breezy day, or cooking something tasty give me the warm and fuzzies.

WHO FROM CHRISTIAN HISTORY HAS HAD THE GREATEST IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE? Andrew Murray without a doubt. I can hardly pack in a few pages of his stuff without having to stop and soak it all in.

GABRIELLA  |   Oklahoma

IF YOU HAD 3 HOURS TO FILL ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON, WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH YOUR TIME? If I had 3 hours to fill on a Saturday Afternoon, I would go on a picnic. I love just sitting out in God’s beautiful creation.  God speaks to me so much through the wonder of nature. I would enjoy either lying on the grass and reading or just simply relaxing outside. This would be a very calming way to fill 3 hours on a Saturday afternoon!

SOMETHING THAT GIVES ME JOY IS... God gives me such joy when I am able to minister His truths to the people around me. I so enjoy growing in His truths. I receive so much joy when playing with my niece. God has given me a passion for children, seeing them grow and learn the things of the kingdom, provides me with unlimited joy. I can just see God excited about His children coming to Him. It is wonderful to see future world changers. While alone I enjoy talking and communicating with my very best friend, Jesus! We serve an amazingly awesome wonderful God! Surrendering my life daily to Him brings me joy!!

THE SCRIPTURE VERSE THAT COULD BEST HALLMARK THIS PAST YEAR OF MY LIFE IS Matthew 6:33

“But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.” This year God has been teaching me what it means to surrender my every dream and desire to Him. He has been teaching me to surrender in all areas of my life and allow His kingdom to become evident in and through me. Often times when I would find myself discouraged I would turn to this verse. It renewed my mind to the fact that as I seek God’s kingdom first and foremost His blessings will be poured out on me. But the greatest lesson has been to allow God to transform every area of my life to be a reflection of the Kingdom.

LYDIA  |   Texas

WHO FROM CHRISTIAN HISTORY HAS HAD THE GREATEST IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE? This is so very hard to pick just one. So many great Christians have influenced me. But I have recently been studying Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand.  I am humbled as I read about their sacrifice and selfless love.  Despite extreme torture and separation from each other, they stood for the name of Christ. Even after given freedom they chose to return to imprisonment, all for the glory of God.  Such a beautiful example of Christ being magnified in their lives.

SOMETHING THAT GIVES ME JOY IS... I am filled with great joy when I have an opportunity to boldly share my faith and convictions.  My loving family and dear friends will never fail to bring joy.  Selfless worship to our amazing God.  Young people living with true and biblical femininity & masculinity is joy to me.  

But there is no greater joy than resting in my Saviors love and the peace that trusting Him brings. 

THE SCRIPTURE VERSE THAT COULD BEST HALLMARK THIS PAST YEAR OF MY LIFE IS Philippians 1:20-21 "...according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.  For to me to life is Christ and to die is gain."

These words have grown in great meaning and depth to me this past year.  They used to be just words, so often thoughtlessly repeated.  But God has stirred in me the "boldness" and unabashed faith.  It's not easy and on my own I often fail, but in everything I desire to live for Christ, with not one ounce of shame.  Every part of me, in life or death, must be for Christ and His glory.

AUSTIN  |   Colorado

WHO FROM CHRISTIAN HISTORY HAS HAD THE GREATEST IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE? John Calvin has greatly influenced me for two reasons.

First, I have been inspired by Calvin’s passion for truth and his complete humility throughout his life. He spent the bulk of his life studying and teaching the truth of scripture, which eventually led him to an early grave. His passion for truth competes with that of Martin Luther and Wesley. He never quit or slowed down in this endeavor, even up to the edge of death. He never pursued credit or popularity—though his first edition of The Institutes did that with ease—one can see this in his writings and his attitude toward a place in church leadership. All this eventually earned him a place in Fox’s Book of Martyr’s, after his death in 1564.

Secondly, his writings shed light on difficult passages of scripture like none I have seen before. This has effectively reaffirmed and strengthened my faith in the One who is worthy. He has written an encyclopedia length commentary on the bible—there probably isn’t an idle word in it. It’s no wonder God blessed the man with such unsurpassed intellect. I doubt the man had a slothful moment in his entire life. J

IF YOU HAD 3 HOURS TO FILL ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON, WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH YOUR TIME? Sit in front of a warm fire with my best friend, my family, and my bible.

IF YOU COULD TRAVEL TO ANY PLACE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD YOU GO? Thailand or Cambodia. One rarely sees men anymore with Christ’s heart for the weak and oppressed. Someone ought to do something about the evil that resides there. Unfortunately, very few do. We are called to something greater than beaver cleaver village. We were called to “Vindicate the weak and the fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and destitute. Rescue the weak and needy; Deliver them out of the hand of the wicked.” 14-year old girls sold as sex slaves ought to catch our attention more than it does—to the point of the agony and anguish that drove John Hyde to an early grave. “Some want to live within the sound of church or chapel bell; I want to run a rescue shop within a yard of hell.” C.T.Studd

TRISTAN  |   Indiana

IF YOU COULD TRAVEL TO ANY PLACE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD YOU GO? I would travel to the next World Cup, wherever it will be.

There is no sporting event that is more popular around the world than the World Cup.  I would try to get tickets to a game for every round and sight see the rest of the time.

SOMETHING THAT GIVES ME JOY IS... Playing sports. Whether it is a pick-up football game outside or a competitive basketball league. I’m pretty much game for any sport that is competitive.

THE SCRIPTURE VERSE THAT COULD BEST HALLMARK THIS PAST YEAR OF MY LIFE IS Matthew 6:34.

This past year has been unexpected. I thought I would be in a totally different place with my career and I never thought I would be attending Ellerslie.

TERRI  |   New York

WHO FROM CHRISTIAN HISTORY HAS HAD THE GREATEST IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE? George Mueller and his story of running an orphanage by completely trusting God and bringing his needs to the Lord in wrestling prayer has had a HUGE impact on my faith. My life is changing dramatically as I am learning to trust our big God for big things in my life and ministry work.

IF YOU COULD TRAVEL TO ANY PLACE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD YOU GO? I would like to go to India sometime soon and spread the gospel as I work alongside women in poverty starting their own businesses with micro-finance loans. God has been giving me a heart for the Indian people through some friends of mine from India that I go to school with. So, I would also like to visit their families and hometowns.

IF YOU HAD 3 HOURS TO FILL ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON, WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH YOUR TIME? It’s a toss-up between: staging a large musical, praying with friends, and playing with the Burmese Refugee Children that live on my street.

SARA  |   Massachusetts

THE SCRIPTURE VERSE THAT COULD BEST HALLMARK THIS PAST YEAR OF MY LIFE IS Ephesians 1:18–21 “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.” This passage is one of my favorites. Not only does it paint a majestic picture of Christ, but it describes the hope we have in Him and how He is willing to work in us the same power He displayed in Christ’s resurrection.

Another verse that has really challenged me is Hebrews 12:4 “You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin.”

IF YOU COULD TRAVEL TO ANY PLACE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD YOU GO? Windsor, Colorado to spend the summer at Ellerslie! But I would especially love to visit the underground church in China. (And I always thought it would be fun to go somewhere in Ireland or Wales or Scotland with castles or rolling green hills and sheep...)

IF YOU HAD 3 HOURS TO FILL ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON, WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH YOUR TIME? I would...

a)     Hide away in my room and read a good book

b)     Study the Bible in Greek

c)     Listen to a sermon online

d)     Play some piano or guitar

e)     Listen to my little brother explain his latest Lego creation

JOSHUA  |   Oregon

IF YOU COULD TRAVEL TO ANY PLACE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD YOU GO? Any place?  Hmm, Either Japan or Israel. I would like to go to Japan because it seems like it is quite a cool place and would fun to tour around. Israel would be awesome just because Jesus once lived there.  What is cooler than that?  

SOMETHING THAT GIVES ME JOY IS Seeing men and women acting as God intended. Cracking open an adventure in the pages of a book. The Awesomeness of God. Thinking about Heaven.

THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE ME: thinker.  adventurer. reader.

I WOULD LIKE TO BE DESCRIBED AS: perceptive.

KAILA  |   Saskatchewan

SOMETHING THAT GIVES ME JOY IS my family.  A beautiful sunset.  Spending meaningful time with friends.

THE SCRIPTURE VERSE THAT COULD BEST HALLMARK THIS PAST YEAR OF MY LIFE IS Colossians 3:1-4 "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.  For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him

in glory."

These verses are full of challenges to rise above and live beyond the mediocrity of today.  In this past year God has been challenging me to give up everything, surrendering completely to His will, and truly believing that my life is not my own.  It belongs to the One much greater than I.

THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE ME: joyful. organized. thoughtful.

I WOULD LIKE TO BE DESCRIBED AS: persevering.

KATIE  |   New York

SOMETHING THAT GIVES ME JOY IS My family of nine brings me the greatest joy, day in and day out!

IF YOU HAD 3 HOURS TO FILL ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON, WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH YOUR TIME? I would relax with a cup of tea and my journal; then I would probably bake or go on a jog with one of my brothers. 

THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE ME: nurturer. thinker. dreamer.

I WOULD LIKE TO BE DESCRIBED AS AN: adventurer.

CORTNEY  |   California

SOMETHING THAT GIVES ME JOY IS working with or taking care of children, especially those of special need. You can just see the fingerprints of God all over them. 

IF YOU HAD 3 HOURS TO FILL ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON, WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH YOUR TIME? If I had three hours to fill on a saturday afternoon, chances are that you could find me at Carlsbad beach walking, running or just sitting on the jetty listening to worship music and reflecting on the goodness, faithfulness and awesome wonder that is our God. Then maybe at a hole-in-the-wall cafe. 

THE SCRIPTURE VERSE THAT COULD BEST HALLMARK THIS PAST YEAR OF MY LIFE IS 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”