In July 2013, I was overseas looking out at some mountains as that Lord began to show me which desires of mine He had placed in my heart. One of the desires was to earn a master’s degree. I had no idea when this would take place or where or what program to go into. I distinctly remember thinking and praying about how I would love to travel the world as a type of apprentice with people who have already traveled the world over. My prayer was more of a comment to God telling him how awesome I thought that would be.

Fast forward three years to September 2016. I was overseas again and preparing to return to the U.S. I was mandated to complete classes that would help me get a job and reintegrate into society. In the process, my mom suggested that I consider graduate school. I prayed about it not knowing where on earth I would go or for which degree. I looked up many biographies and graduate programs in the world. I prayerfully narrowed it down to a couple places that I was interested in.

Over five days, God showed me which college and why this was the time. He often confirms things in my life through my mom, and this was no exception. He had shown my mom the exact same specific reasons that I was to move forward in this at this time.

Trinity Bible College and Graduate School was never on my radar before September 2016. I had never visited there. I applied while still overseas and was accepted. I’m now working toward a master’s degree in global theology. What I like most about this program is that I travel the world with people who have already been there before.

Long before classes started, the Lord promised to help me through graduate school, and I am so thankful for His help. He is my ever-present help.

“God is our refuge and strength an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.” Psalm 46: 1-3.

I remember struggling for weeks with a research paper during my first semester. I had read and re-read the syllabus, and I didn’t know what to do with the paper. I needed feedback. The staff at TBC&GS is excellent in providing feedback and encouraging and praying with their students. This time, however, I asked for feedback and was directed to read the syllabus. Mentally exhausted, I decided to take a nap and set my alarm for 40 minutes. I slept for two hours. I would have been upset by being that much closer to the deadline, but something happened. While napping, I had a dream. In my dream, I was reading my paper, and I saw how I could finish it. When I woke up, I typed it before I could forget it and was done with it.

I find this very unusual, and I do not encourage procrastination with hopes that this will happen. God knows that I was not procrastinating. I’ve honestly never heard of this happening to anyone. What doesn’t surprise me is that I was dreaming about a solution. I often dream about solutions to problems. Some of the solutions to world problems that I dreamed as a child were quite silly.

Last semester during a late night of studying, I felt God impress upon my heart that He enjoys helping me research and draft my papers. I understand that He knows everything there is to know about everything. Sometimes He gives me better words to use and sometimes he encourages me to read another book. I’m thankful that He helps me discover and understand things I’ve never known or understood.

This semester is well underway. I’m studying religious pluralism. Books for this topic are pictured above. Globalization and pluralization on all levels make for exciting times that we live in. Although there are serious challenges in our world, we are not without hope. God is not surprised by any of the changes taking place.

This program has helped me think about things I’ve never thought of before. Every semester has gotten better. I’m halfway done, and I’m so thankful that God is helping me. He is so good.

In Him,
Julieanne