For our last week of this course, respond to the following questions heartily.1. Describe how the Lord brought you to BTC.
2. Describe how the Lord has worked in and through your years at BTC.
3. What do you hope for BTC ten years from now?
You are not required to comment on your classmates' post.
Before I came to BTC, it as just like that I lived as a 14 year old high school graduate student, who just don't know about what to do in life. I was just going with the flow of my Father's ministry as a pastor. Every time he would go to the Bible study every night, I would go with him riding my bike carrying a guitar on my left hand. Then every night he goes to that bible study contact of him who was under his discipleship, I was also there observing and learning some things that was very familiar to me since I was a child. But when that man whom my daddy disciple was going to accept Jesus Christ, me too bowed down my head in acceptance also. I always remember that I could not be contented if I was not on that bible study every night with my daddy. So as that school year ended, I decided to study at the BTC as a response to my parent's suggestions. But I did not know what BTC really is, I just thought of a University, or a high school. And I also thought that it would be very hard for me to adjust since it was my first time being away with my parents, and indeed it was my first time in colleges with other people whom I need to have fellowship with. I was not that people person when I was in High school, I was very shy of people whom I don't know. But when I came to BTC, I learned to have new friends, but the sad thing in my first year is that; I witnessed the flirting of the higher year students with the devil. They seemed like unbelievers, or more worse. So one time as the first semester's end goes near, I cried to my mommy on the phone saying "I would not come back to BTC, I don't like the people here, I don't like the teachers because they could not understand me(not knowing that it was a part of the training) and my dorm mates are bullies and evil doers. But as the years goes by, I didn't realized that I survived here in BTC. Until I became a fourth year student. I didn't actually know what changed in my, but I only knew a little, that I grow as a man and as a Christian in this institution. Thus the BTC became part of my life and my Christianity journey. I hope that ten years from now, the BTC could produce teachers who can understand and had studied about how to train bible school students in the same school or training grown, hence that it would be improved.
ReplyDeleteIt is a wonderful and meaningful privileged for me to look back how the Lord brought me here at BTC. The Lord used important people through out my journey as an instrument so that I may be able to study here at BTC. In 2011 I was studying at Baptist Rural Life Center at Bansalan Davao Del Sur. It happens that our Pastor, Dino Fajardo continue his masters degree here at BTC. As he went home he shared to me the situation here in Cebu. After a month I decided to respond to God's call in order to study in a seminary, I shared it to Pastor Dino, then I ask him to pray for me about the school where I am able to study, after a few weeks he opened the conversation about BTC as one of the possible school where I can study. After a month I came to him and said that I am at peace to study at BTC to be equip for the Lord's ministry, that is the story behind why I am here at BTC.
ReplyDeleteMy story was memorable as I was continue my journey studying here at BTC. AT first I had a hard time because it is hard for me to understand English language, and also had some struggle financially, so I stop after the first semester because I am not able to pay my account. Even this crisis in life i accept the truth that I need to stop but it does not stop my calling, deep inside my heart I believe that I am called by God that time will come i will be back here at BTC to continue my study. Amazingly God grant that desire in my heart, after a year i decided to went back and continue my study, and amazing thing happened God provided me financially until I graduate, that is the reason why I am still here at BTC a graduating student being sustained and strengthened by the Grace of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
I am hoping for ten years that BTC will trained more leaders to spread the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ through out the world, I am hoping to be part of this ministry also, maybe not in teaching but to send many young people to be trained and be equip in this school. so that they will be prepared to the ministry where God want them to minister.
When I was very young, I saw our pastor preaching in front. Then, it came my mind that I want to be like this man when I grow up. I think it was God who impressed that desire to me. Years went on and it seems that I forgot about that desire when I was young. However, God reminded me about it when my father went to a Bible school to study. I'll tell you a little bit about my dad, he was really a bad guy, a drunkard, a gambler and a violent father and a husband though he pronounced himself as Christian. That was his life before he went to a Bible school. The Lord indeed is good because when he led my father to this Bible school, his whole life was changed. He became a better father and a husband. He was already teaching God's word instead of being with his drunkard friends and telling them nonsense stories. He was already ministering to people and led his family into a godly one. This event happened to my father reminded me that I want to be used by God in the same purpose. I want to minister to other people and bless them through my life. Years went on and it seems that I forgot about it again. But when I graduated in high school I was confuse what course to take, either culinary arts or education. But then somehow it flashed into my mind the desire that I had before. I want to become a pastor. I want to study in the Bible school like my father did. I want to preach God's word to people like our pastor. Then I asked my parents about and they supported me. My father did not even complain even though he knew, to be a pastor does not earn big. I think my father really trusted God for my future. My father really supported. His son will be studying in the same school where he graduated. Perhaps he is proud of it. He helped me met all the requirements. He went with me when I enrolled. He told me all his experiences he faced here which really brought encouragement to me. All these circumstances were used by God in order to lead me here at BTC.
ReplyDeleteI can say that God is really actively working in my life. He made me survive all these four years. It was my first time to be far away from my parents. It was really hard for me. But God gave me joy because he has given another family, the BTC family. Regarding my needs here, I was really trustful to God to meet all my needs. My parents does not even have high salary work. They cannot provide for my tuition. The money they earned cannot provide some of my needs. And so I really trusted God about that. As a result he blessed me with some finances. He used my home church to give me an allowance for my monthly rice. He used my weekend church to provide for my fares and viand. He also used some people to meet my little needs such as for my personal hygiene. The most thing that really surprised me of God's goodness is when he used people to pay my tuition. It was one of my happiest moment here. My parents were also happy about that. Both of us were happy. In terms of academics, I am really a slow learner. When I was in elementary and high school I had low grades because I didn't want to study. When I came here, I was shocked because it is very different. I needed to study well or else I will be sent home. It was really a big adjustment for me but by God's grace I was able to maintain my grades in an average. This school was also used by God for me to become a responsible person not just in the field of academics but in all aspects of my life. I can really say that I am a better person compared before.
Few years from now I hope that BTC will continue its mission and vision. I hope more programs and extra- curricular activities will be introduced here to enhance the skills and gifts of our future ministers.
Because of His grace, God found me a favor to study here in BTC through the person he used. There was one person who is close in my heart who trained me to become a good leader in the future. During my highschool life, he was the one who discipled me particularly in teaching. For your information, I really hate teaching kids even before. He doesn't know that's why, he continued in training me. I considered this as a worst nightmare when he told me to handle the children's ministry as one of the teachers. By the time, I don't have a choice. So I did. When I decided to study in college , I was glad to know that I am going to take the course culinary which I dreamed of. Another thing was that the school was very far from the church and my home. That was really a freedom to me. The time came when they decided to stop my course due to my performance. It was sad but God allowed it to happen because there was something that God prepared for me. In my one year staying in our house, my Lolo invited me again to join the children's ministry for the second time. Since I do not have any schedules so I tried. Every ministry that I took, I found happiness of what I was doing. Instead of feeling tired, I feel at peace. It was different feeling when I do the first thing. That one year focusing that ministry, God changed my heart. I already loved the kids. One thing that I really appreciate teaching is that the response of the kids. They are charming and very blessed by God. Everything changed when I put my heart in God. The following year, I decided to go to BTC and train as one of the great teachers in God's ministry.
ReplyDeleteThere were many hard times that I face, struggled that I encountered but when I decided to go here in BTC, I already prepared myself to really ponder that God cares for everybody and He just wants us to love the ministry that He entrusted to us. In my almost four years in BTC, I learned a lot of things. I am so blessed that I have teachers who teach me the lessons, mentors who give advises, friends who inspire me. Despite of the difficulties, God lifted me up and will lift me always. I do believe that when we truly trust God, He will shower his blessings to us.
I do hope for more ministers to be equip from BTC. BTC is the great school which can really proud of. I dream also that the heart of my children is in BTC. I want for them to be one of the great ministers of Christ in the future.
It was quite a tough and challenging decision that I made when I decided to be enroll in BTC. There were many challenges that comes along the way as I made a step of faith. First, If I will obey the Lord and enroll in BTC, I will lose my job and I don't have income on my own and could not support my family anymore. Second, my decision wavered when typhoon Yolanda happened. I sought advise to our Pastor that I wanted to enroll in the Bible School but I ask him, "Is it okay to do a part time study in the Bible School?" Our Pastor said," Just pray about it." It was a tough moments in my life because I need to chose for my family or obey God. I have the desire to serve the church and become a missionary someday at that time. I prayed to God for my desire to be enroll in Baptist Theological College and pursue that longing to be a church worker and missionary, as well. I saw the need of the church that was lacking of a committed church worker. I wanted to be used in different ministries and impart to others what I have learned. Then, I approached our Pastor and his wife that I planned to enroll in BTC. Afterwards, he said that, "Inquire how much you will pay for the tuition fees and the payment of staying in the dorm." I obeyed him and told him all the expenses. I thank and praise God because he said to me that, "By the way, there was someone who will pay your tuition fees." I cried out to God because He answers my prayer and desires to be in a Bible School which I long for many years. God indeed is faithful to His promises and provided my needs until this time. He uses people to provide for my tuition fees and my daily needs. God's grace and strength sustains me during the time of my first year and until this day. There were many challenges that comes my way but by God's grace I was able to surpass it through. I admit I have difficulties in dealing to different personalities inside the campus and the church as well but God works amazingly and He molded my character and changes my heart especially in dealing with the opposite sex. I thank God for using all my teachers and mentors in BTC because through them I was encouraged to do missions and reach out those unreached people group. As I evaluate myself, there are many changes within me. I thank God for using counselors to guide me through whatever challenges that comes my way wherein I am aware of my negative emotions that I have and I am able to understand and have patience towards others. I know how to deal my negative emotions by God's grace. Also, I'm grateful for all my supporters and sponsors in my studies and doing missions as well. As I do missions in Thailand there were many realizations that came up to my mind and said to myself of how Philippines being blessed by God. I have the burden to minister to the Thai people and let them know Christ in their life. Lately, I was part of the Ministry Group Project, wherein we minister to the call center workers and I was able to establish relational ministry towards them and the ministry is being continued.
ReplyDeleteI am hoping that BTC ten years from now that they will be able to equip more Pastors, teachers, and missionaries. They will continue to send more students to go on missions and be a missionary as they graduate. BTC will continue to help more students who have the desire to help the church ministries and be a sender, goer and mobilizer missionaries.
I know BTC is a seminary for pastors and teachers because some of my Churchmate are having enrolled here and even my uncle's who were graduated here in BTC so I have this background what BTC is. it was night and I dreamed that there was a church that being left almost and there is one leader of that church talked with me how was the church happen and in that I said to my self silently I will go to BTC and studied and when I finsh I will come back here and help this church so in the dream I enrolled BTC and accepted then later on I graduate came back to that Church and help them so when the church growing more I told them I want to become a missionary and I become a missionary at the age of 25 but the place I go is very dangerous and when I go there there are this group of people wearing black pants, black sleves, and black mask and I kneel down infront of them keeping preaching the word of the Lord then they shoot me faster until I die. this dream I have keeps bother me what is the meaning of that dream and it is almost every night that dream always repeat and repeated until one day I really feel that God called me to be equip here in BTC through enlighten the letter of apostle Paul in Philipi in Philipians 4:13 "for I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" in that I decided to my self to be study at BTC, but my parents says BTC is very expensive school in that time I cried to the Lord that if he will let me enrolled at BTC he will let my parents open eyes of not to be worried becuase even my self when I tell them don't be worry because I have God who will provide my needs but sometimes I can see to their face and their eyes of being worry,therefore, God uses one of my uncle, Sulben Olojan telling my parents about BTC and my willingness to be at BTC but at first before uncle talk to them I hug my uncle crying and say "uncle I want to study in BTC, I really want to spend my whole life in God" this happen because of the dreams I had that keeps repeating that I can still remember what the detail happen in my dream and in that when my parents convince I enrolled at BTC.
ReplyDeleteall I can say that the Lord works in my life here in BTC with in two words: Amazingly, and Gracefully. at first when I came here I enrolled without any money but God provide money so that I will be enrolled and he really mold me here and as always I can feel his hand guiding me even though many times I fail on him but really God still remain good into my life and he uses BTC a gorund where I can be equip and learn more about him and about ministry for the expansion of his kingdom. through out the 3 years he let me learn the word "perception" under these word creates "humility and obedience" this word I keep practicing on it even it is hard but the Lord encourages me to do it.
my hope for BTC ten years from now that all students who enrolled, study, and graduate will be connected or to be a partner in the BSOP helping some students to send in outside of the country to proclaim gospel and my hope also that there will be thousands of students will enrolled in BTC who are willing to learned and to be equip in the minstry as to become pastors and teachers and lastly all BTC students will not forget their teachers and professors that as they go out in BTC they will keep into their minds the loving care of all teachers and professors and their grace towards the students they will keep it as an history to victory.
From these past two years, I still can barely imagine of how God brought me here in BTC. God is so great and so good that He had mightily used our dear cousin, who had been BTC student and recommend it to us. as I reminisce my experiences, it brought to me unspeakable joy and praises to God. Truly, our mother back then had been confined in the hospital due to tuberculosis severely, where she was situated in the isolation room for over a month. Meaning to say, we cannot guaranteed that I together with my sister could both study in college. I was hopeless to the fact that my family needs our assistance especially at that moment, we are coping in terms of finances. But the fight has not yet over. Both of our parents supported as in the idea of enrolling to BTC. Wherein, we travelled by dawn time with either of our relatives, who would accompany us and went home directly to the hospital as if it was our home. Gracefully, we were enrolled and continue to strive hard in our studies by faith alone as we have known that both of our parent were incapable of providing money for our tuition and weekly fees. By faith, we applied campus work as room cleaner and get weekly allowances and have got scholarship from the CHED. Beyond doubt, as it was evident, He will provide wherever He guides us. Thus, He never fails to His Word. To be honest, we also experienced asking help from the President along with the promissory notes, as midterm and final week come. What a relief for us to think that God enable us to help our parents' problems to be eased especially both of us study together. Humanly speaking, it would be impossible, but I firmly believe that with God, everything is made possible. And that' s how He works in my life and family, which it would be a living testimony to others of who He is and what He has done. In addition to, I had hoped ten years from now that my brothers and younger sister to finish studies and will have their professions but still lend their service to God' s Kingdom agenda or commit themselves to Him as their Lord and Savior. As conduit of God's grace, I will aid those who are in need that has the same relationship as ours, for I cultured that God had plan and purpose of why He allow things to be happened in my life. I will educate in the light the Biblical truth especially the young ones or wherever God leads me. Overall. A bucketful of thanks to Him for the experience that is humbling but quite rejoicing.
ReplyDeleteReminiscing those times it makes me cry and laugh for all the experiences that I went through. It was not easy since I was working at the very young age but I really praise and thank God of how He brought me in BTC with all the favor and grace. Since when I became active in church, I often heard of BTC because most of the members came from this institution.They were also a lots of weekenders that serve in our church too. There was two guys who influences me most that keep on bragging me about BTC, they were Ptr. Jonas Lisbe and Ptr. Jerson Petilos. I was curious with what they said and I can see the joy in their eyes in telling it to me but before them it was really my dream to be in this school someday but I was just scared because of so many insecurities that I have. But I can't because I am the only one working at that time in our family until my sister told me to quit working and go back to school but with a condition that I can only enroll at CTU or CNU. In my heart and mind it was a dream come true that I can go back to school even in my age but I went a tough and a very challenging decision since our supervisors told me that she will promote me to be a regular employee since I was an agency at that time. It was really hard, I kept wrestling with my decision that time, in my age it was appropriate to have my own income and not to be dependent on my family since I was not used to be like that.I kept on praying to God but then again He reveal it to me to resign and back to school. It was so funny because when I went to CTU to enroll they accepted me and give the schedule for my interview and I just did it to obey what my sister wanted me to do but I do not know what happened to me after there my feet brought me to BTC and I had this peace and joy in my heart when I arrived there. The joy in my heart that I cannot explain.I enroll went for an interview and they accepted me. And when I came back to comply all my requirements I was so amazed with the favor and mercy of the Lord that he has given me. I really cried tears and speak praises and thanksgiving with the Lord at that time because I cannot imagine how big His love for me that He grant me all this kind of favor. And now I am still here at BTC and until now He remain faithful in my life in providing all my needs not just financially but in every aspects of my life. God works in amazing way in life and I cannot mention them one by one. All I can say that He was always there; He never leave me nor forsake me.He never fails in my life and even in His promises to me. On the other hand God has change a lot also in my life since I was here at BTC if I look back my life before I couldn't think of ways of how He did it because I was unaware of my changes in my life. Before I have this hatred in my heart towards my parents of how they treated me, lots of insecurities that hinders me to do the things that I love to do and even the attitude/character that I have it changes a lot that even some other person in our places noticed it but as for me this is a humbling experiences of how God lead me through my years here in BTC. Being a BTCians I am so proud of it even though staying here is not that perfect as what I think before but it really help me to become a better person that God wants me to be and only by His grace that I can be. Here at BTC it really shape me to be a good citizens to other and to value people even in the differences that we have. Ten years from now, I love to see BTC become a big university and handling more doctorate and PHD degree and still working in the lives of so many people that wants to be equipped by the Word of God. Our God is big and nothing is impossible for Him and he love people whom he created to serve and study His word. And I will be the witness to that big change.Praise God forever and ever amen.
ReplyDeleteIt was third year high school when i really decided to study in BTC. Some of our yoputh leaders in Burias where came from here.They talked many things about BTC and it makes me interested to know more about it. Because of that the desire of my heart never stop to study here at BTC. After I graduate in high school I also decided not to continue my college because of some circumstances so, I need to stop for two years. For that two years I experienced being far away with my family and even my spiritual aspect of life and it is because of my work. Bu the Lord is faithful He never stop working in my life. I'm also praying that after two years I can proceed my study and the Lord granted that desire. Coming here at BTC is not easy my mother was not able to go with me and I need to go with other people to come here. I saw God's purpose in my life. He provides everything that I need. For four years of studying He sustain everything, He gives me scholarship which it really help a lot, He entrusted me to have work and ministering every week end. God is very gracious I am not a smart academically but the Lord is always giving me wisdom in my subject so that I may able to finish this course.
ReplyDeleteGod's working in my life is somehow hard but it is worth living for He leads me in the path which I may trained, equipped and develop myself more. to know Him more and more and to deeply love Him. As I respond in God's calling I can see in myself to really minister people who did not yet know Him. All my accomplishment in life comes from Him and He deserves my honor and praises, Thank You Lord.
I have known BTC since I was in grade 5/6 because at that time there are BTC interns in our school. They talked a lot about BTC including ghost story, but that didn't hinder me from desiring to study at here because that time I have considered and decided that when I'll be in college I will go and study at BTC. When my church-mates will ask me where I will study, as far as I could remember BTC is always my answer. But years go by that desire had been covered up by my personal desire which is taking up a secular course. It was when I was in fourth year that I really decided to go and study at BTC. I rejected all the scholarship exams offered because in my mind and heart I will go to BTC and it would still be useless taking that exam. But before that there are still many instances happened that helped me fixed my decision and mind in going here. First is the taking of exam here in Cebu. We were not able to go here because my mother can't leave my little sister, but when my mother already had the time it was already late because scholarship exam and entrance exam in the school I was planning to go had closed. Then at that time I remembered my commitment when I was in elementary. I have thought that maybe this is what God wants me to do because if it was not I would have not given up easily.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, going to BTC is not a mistake rather it is God's will because studying here changed me a lot. Looking back at my life before, especially my attitude it was really different, way far different from what I am now. That's why I can say that I have really grown, and God is actively working in me. In every experience I have here is a lesson for me, and learning a lesson is also a lesson also especially learning from my experience because through it I was able to assess myself unlike before, I have become aware of the Holy Spirits work. This is also the place where I have gain and boost my confidence, and in this place I have learned that there are still lots of things to learn that's why I have to humble down myself and not to look at myself higher than others. I have also learned to forgive and accept things. It is here that I was able to face and deal with my emotions and interacting with many different people helps me a lot. I can really say that it is God's plan for me to be here, and I am happy because I followed His will even without knowing it from the start. I hoped for BTC ten years from now is there will be more future leaders will be equipped holistically. New buildings especially girls’ dorm.
I grew up attending Sunday school and even got close to our Pastor and his family. I was like their daughter too because I stay in church almost everyday. I always go to Bible studies and prayer meetings with them but I w=really didn't know why we did that. I started participating in the praise and worship ministry and became a back up singer until I led the worship. I was a good girl. But when I was in high school, I was away from church because my school is located in a different barangay. My family rented a house there so I stayed there more often and just go to church every weekend. I was then influenced by my classmates with so much foolish things including entering into a romantic relationship which was inappropriate for my age and thinking, drinking alcohol and staying late until 3 am strolling around Biliran. I was immature then and just seeking for attention. It was my worst moments. but thank God that He preserved me, I did not do anything more foolish than that like doing drugs or sex or whatever. But still it was the darkest days of my life. God loves me so much that He redeemed me from that situation. I entered to a university in our place. I have resolved to take Nursing as a course because I really really really love to be a nurse and take care of sick people and clean wounds. but my father did not allow me because the career path of such course was declining. I did not think of taking up Education because I was discouraged by y elementary teachers who did not care whether the students were learning or not. I cursed that profession. I took up Tourism instead so I can proceed to becoming a Flight Attendant. I got through the first year of that course. I saw God's hand working during that summer. I never heard of BTC, not even a hint. but that summer was so significant of my coming here. If my father allowed me to pursue nursing, I would have not be involved with summer ministry because nursing students still have classes in summer. A group of young people came to our place to conduct DVBS and youth camp. That was the first time I knew about BTC. I helped them in the ministry and even taught kids. I wondered why they were different from my elementary teachers. They were passionate in teaching and they love the children. The spark ignited in my heart to consider Education as a course. So I told my Mama that I wanted to have the training they have as teachers. My Mama did not listen to me at first because she was afraid that I might bulakbol here in Cebu. But my Papa told her to just let me decide and it is a better course any way and better training. That's how I got here. God had sustained me the whole time and in every details of my life here in BTC. Through thick and thin He is always there. I experienced the greatest pain while I was here but God used that so I can learn. He led me and molded me to become the woman that He wanted me to be, I know He still has a lot in store for me to be the full woman that He wanted me to be. Every person I met in this institution are inspiring and some are discouraging but God taught me with their lives. I cannot contain my joy being a recipient of God's redemption, grace, love, mercy, kindness and discipline. He is truly my Father that even when every one else fails, He never fails and He never disappointed me though I always upset Him. He loves me so much.
ReplyDeleteDo not ever make a joke in serving God, because God, I tell you, God really is serious when it comes to Him. I could still remember that day, I was lying on my bed, hoping and praying that someday I could be in school again, and out of that out of school youth kind of life, that makes my every day very boring. Suddenly, I'm pretty sure that it was God. He was calling me in to such life that could, not just get me out of boredom but get me out of my foolishity life. But I thought of it as a joke, That same night, I went to my dad and mom, telling of how interested I am in studying and being a pastor, so automatically, BTC came up to my mind, (I only did that because I wanted out of boredom) so, knowing that "great news" they immediately said "YES!" to my cute plead. So fast track.. I went and enrolled, and told everybody that God was really calling me. So I was in, doing my best just to be happy and have fun. but God was very serious and still is. in between that year, He worked through me in hitting me in my heart, making me realize how important and how amazing to be with Him and walk and serve Him. So then, I rushed up telling my parents about that, and they were happy yet doubting in me. But still I persisted and perservered throughout the many years in my life here in BTC. I love God. Oh yes i do! So that was my story. I hope that BTC will still continue what they are doing. SERVING GOD BY SERVING PEOPLE
ReplyDeleteI grew up with knowledge of BTC. Generations of families have studied here. During the summer or school breaks, I would be in BTC, and I felt comfortable and not indifferent. When I was really young, I already had the dream, the desire to study in this college. This desire continued until I had fulfilled it. There were some things that got into the way, like some other passions, hobbies and one was even a full scholarship for any medical course in any medical school. But still, I ended up here. I wanted that opportunity, but I knew that if I disobeyed, consequence would be great. So, I came to BTC.
ReplyDeleteI started spoiled but strong. I knew the gift I had, for it was honed at a young age, to which is still being honed until now. I was given a responsibility when I got here because of my so-called lineage, which I did not bother bringing up to those who already didn't know. I didn't want others to be scared of me for my connection to BTC. I despised it, but many of the seniors would slap it on my face and was the reason why others were scared and obviously afraid of me. I wanted to be seen as me, and not as the daughter of, the sister of, or the niece of blah blah blah. I wanted to be recognized as Flira. This was the hardest of all. Everyone had their expectations, which I just recently just said no to. I did not do good in my academics. I did not strive. But when I realized that I had to strive for myself, it was all too late. I see God's hand in all this though. I knew that God was working inside of me. He was making me stronger and better, the woman that He wants me to be. I have grown to become more generous and loving despite the fact that I have more "enemies" than I think, I think. I have failed many times during my stay here in BTC. But I believe that the leader who has never experienced and despises failure, is not a leader. And I am proud to say that God had been using me as a leader and to lead in the future. My failures helped and is helping me to become a godly leader. I cried over so much failure on my first year because I hated failure, but those failures are the things that motivate me to stand up on my feet again.
Now that I will leave, I know that BTC will still be pen when we return, I hope and pray that BTC will continue to be an institution who will not just produce godly, servant leaders, but will also be in itself a leading institution to the others out there. I pray that BTC will become an open, loving home to the called, the chosen, who have been equipped by God and will continue to be equipped by this college.
By God's grace continue to equip the called, BTC!
I was five years old when I admire our "Pastora". I like her every time she is in the pulpit preaching. I like the way she dressed up. And by that admiration, it leads me to have a desire that someday I will also standing in front of many people like what she does. But that desire was gone when I was grade five until forth year High School. During those times I desired to be a nurse. My parents are preparing for my studies before the month of June will come. April, I forgot exactly the time but I can still remember the nightmare that I had. I dreamed so badly that makes me terrified. I thought it was real. I woke up crying then I shared it to my mama. My mama told me to pray about. A couple of minutes, my sister texted and it was bad news. The person that I saw in my dream who was then needs help was the exact person that my sister reported. My mama rebuked it. I was shocked and found my tears falling. I blamed myself for that. But the Lord reminded me about my calling through my dreams. I know that it is sounds like funny but I do believe too that the Lord really used it. He exist before, today, and for eternity. Many weeks later, there was a voice keeps on whispering me that I need to tell my dream to my pastor. But I insist because I am a shy type person. When I open my Bible there's a word there, "I am with you" and I close it. I prayed. Open my Bible again then there's a word " If you love me obey my command". I was confused what to do. I cannot sleep thinking about it. Later on, I went to the house of my pastor. While my pastor was quite busy, I sat and waited him.But because the whisper on my ear was kept on telling me to tell, I suddenly stood up and following where he goes. My pastor noticed me that I kept on following him. Then, he asked me. Then, I shared my dreamed to him. After that he asked me whats my plan. I shared him I want to be equipped for the Lord's ministry. Them he offered me BTC. I did not say no instead I say a big yes though I do not know yet what BTC is. Then to make the long story short, they helped me processed my papers and help me preparing coming to BTC. Furthermore, I got enrolled.
ReplyDeleteTne Lord is very faithful to me. He provide everything though there were a lot of struggles but He never leave me alone. Every time I felt discourage, He is the one who will encourage me and now,because of His faithfulness I can able now to graduate and it is only by His mercy and grace.
I am hoping and praying that BTC after ten years are still helping the believers to equip, train, and etc.
ReplyDeleteEveryone of us has a story to be told. Story that uniquely designed by God and worked by His majestic hand. Well, let me introduce one of the highlights of my life so far when the Lord brought me in BTC. As far as I can remembered, that was the biggest lion I’ve ever face in my life when my mother was in the hospital and both of my sister decided to go to college but because of that circumstances people says that we should find work to sustain the needs of our family. We prayed to God where He want us to go, so much opportunity that are waiting for us in other secular school but as Ate Marian Baril introduced this institution to us we are being moved by the Holy Spirit to go even if we don’t even know what is ahead of us. All we can know is that God will able to provide and sustain all our needs and truly He never fail us. I cannot tell every single detail happened why I came here in BTC but one thing I can say is that God has greater plan than our own ways and will.
The God who brought me in BTC is the God who will continue work through the years of my life. I’ve been through ups and down, victories and failures, fun and fellowship, highly trained intellectually, find my true identity in Christ and most importantly rest assured of my salvation as my faith was being shaken and tested as I personally experienced the spiritual battle. It is only by His grace that I grew in knowledge, emotional, social and spiritual aspect. One thing I would never forget is that “Wherever God Guides, He will provides”. The promises that until now, I’m still holding on. One time, in my study here I want to give up because of lack of finances and my parents were not able to pay for all the expenses for we are two who are studying here. Amazingly, God uses people to extend His blessings to His beloved children and I can profess His faithfulness and goodness to our lives. Now, I’m currently in my third year and by the grace of God I will graduate next school year.
I hope that after I graduated I can used of the things I’ve learned and can share it to other people whom really need to be train. More than that, I really hope that my dearest Alma Mater will expand and grow not only in the numbers of students and staff but will also grow in structure. Many will be like as BTC who train Christian leaders and teachers. More opportunities will come to this institution and sooner it will become a university. There will be a complete facilities in this school and improve infrastructural buildings. Most of all, thy will be done in this school and in my beloved Alma Mater.
I did'nt know about BTC, later I knew when I went to Palawan for tribal esposure, then my Mommy lyn told me that her boyfriend was BTCian. It was February 4 that I decided to go to BTC because I want my life to be used by God. Then here I am, studying at BTC, then I can see the Lord, not physically but spiritually that he really provides on time when I pay tuition. Sometime it delays sometimes not like "wa jud koy ika bayad" and a promisory note is all I have in my hands, but then I counted it all as blessing. Ten years from now pastor nako, then have wife and 3 kids, and Iknow that God had prepared my future, but he only knows and dili ku kahibaw whats next. Godbless to me
ReplyDeleteHow did the Lord brought me here in BTC? It is through my commitment to God and I even go astray first before I came back to my commitment. That's what I'm keep in going because of my promise to Him.
ReplyDeleteI came to know Christ while I'm still a child but my growth was stagnant until when I went to college which is here in BTC. It build up my communication with. I already know how to practice spiritual discipline and I'm getting to know more God through BTC. It builds also my confidence and also there is improvement of my relationship with other people.
What would be BTC Ten years from now? I would say that God will always be faithful to BTC. Who is He from the past, present and the future He is still be with us. The BTC will be more blessed as the years pass by. Maybe it will be an International school. why not?
I am ministering in a Tribal people which is the Batak tribe when God called me to study. The first thing I have encountered that God calling me to study is that, when I read the Bible of my Pastor. I read in the last page, (it is not including to the books of the Bible) that if you know your gift and God called you then find a trusted Christian school for you to equip that gift in order to use that gift to minister God. It says also there that ask for advice from matured Christian brother or sister. It was 2014 and I am 21 years old at that time. My response to this is I do not want to study and I ask the Lord why He wanted me to study. Lord you knew my heart that I do not want to go to school, I said. I am willing to use my life now for your ministry and you said that if I will share your Word, you will put words in my mouth, so why I need to study? But My Pastors (Ricky, Joseph) and their wife encourage me to go to school because they saw also that I am struggling when I share the Word of God. I don't know how to speak. This time also, the batch of Cal Mark Tusan went to Palawan to have exposure. They also encouraged me. Then they got me, I agree to go to school but I said that I want short term. They introduced to me the YWAM which is 6 months training only. This is my first choice. Then they introduced also the TMI which my girlfriend is studying in this time. Then my last choice is the BTC which is I do not want to go because of 4 years of studying before I will graduate. God really used Pastor Joseph and other people to encourage me to go in BTC because I really want to go in YWAM because of 6 months training only. Then I prayed to God that if He really calling me to study in BTC then my mother will buy me a plane ticket to go here and will support me in my study if I will tell them that I will study here in Cebu because they know that we have different beleif because they are Jehovas Witnesses. Then, yes, it's a sign because they agreed and they are very much supported. They bought my plane ticket one week before the class starts here. God lead me to go here because of the advice of His people. I am thankful to God that I am here today studying in BTC and I did not regret why I am here. God really guides my steps and decisions.
ReplyDeleteWhile I am here in BTC, God was very faithful for providing my needs. He really used my family to support me in my study. God equipped me in my speaking skills and in English language because I do not know this before. I don't know how to prepare a sermon before and how to deliver it but now, I know how to do it. I praise God! He help me also to overcome my fear in sharing His Words to other people and how to do it in a proper way.
My hope for BTC ten years from now is still a place for equipping people of God and prepare them for God's future ministry that will entrusted to them. Maybe I will send youth to be equip here and grow also in their Spiritual life. My hope also for BTC is they already built a girls dorm ten years from now and have a clinic. God bless this school as a training ground for every Christian that He called to study here like me.
The desire of becoming a pastor began in my high school days when I truly committed myself in doing God’s Word. Before I came in BTC, different trials and struggles came into my life. I did not hear a word from my father of having my college degree. I did not even hear any encouragements from him about my studies. I was not sure of going to college, I even think finding a job and save money for college. But one time, I share this desire of becoming a pastor to our church leaders. They were amazed and encouraged me to pursue it. But still I was still not sure how sustain my tuition if I study at BTC. I talked to Ate Eda (one of our church leaders) about it. She was the one who supported me in many things. She did not promised to support my whole tuition only said, “If it is God’s will for you to become a pastor, He will provide everything you need.” I was encouraged by that and by the decision of the church to provide money for my food allowance every week. Later after that, I was determined to pursue BTC.
ReplyDeleteIn my first year here in BTC, I had a lot of adjustments and struggles. I was even not sure if I can continue studying here. I was pressured, bombarded of many things and away from my comfort zone (home). But by God’s grace He sustained everything I need. Ate Eda was right. I also received a full tuition scholarship from Nida Diago which explains God’s faithfulness and goodness in my life.
Right now I am looking forward that BTC, ten years from now will be known to many places in the Philippines. It’s sad to imagine that still a lot of people doesn’t familiar about BTC. Taxi drivers don’t even know where BTC is. They only know Banilad Town Center. What I mean for this is that there will be more students who will be encouraged to study at BTC. In this way, there a lot people also who will hear testimonies about God’s greatness and faithfulness through the students’ life. I was also looking forward that BTC will have some branches to some places. It will help those who really want to study but not able to be far from the family especially parents and pastors. I am hoping also that there advance alumni who will desire to teach at BTC. What I hope for BTC is find it growing in the next ten years.
1. Describe how the Lord brought you to BTC.
ReplyDeleteAfter I got saved through the camp on May 10, 2012, I started to join their fellowships and also joined Praise and Worship. They also put me to Children's Ministry. Because I also understand what God wanted for the unbelievers, I dedicate myself to serve him with my whole life. I also heard about BTC through the Youth leaders, until time came when I visit BTC, I was amazed on how peope behave(on my mind) , I was also blessed because they served God through Cross cultural missions. And there I decide to also study here. I told them my plans and they were happy for it. They encouraged me. later on I realized it was a quick decision, and I need to have one year experience in ministry although I already did. So I complied and pray for it and prepare myself financially. Till the the time when I processed my papers. It was hard for me because my parents cannot support me. But I trust in God that He will let me study here in BTC. And so, I was qualified to be a student and I praised God for his sustainance and He was always with me even now that I am a third year student.
2. Describe how the Lord has worked in and through your years at BTC.
When I came here at BTC, I was never lacking, God really provided my needs. I can say that I was exhausted with so much blessings! And all the glory only belongs to Him alone. In my third year level here'I can say that God is working in my life. Although I make things that are not pleasing to Him, God was still faithful in my life. I have been through ups and downs that only God and me knew, times of heartaches that tempted me to conclude that I will stop studying here. There are also times that makes me smile whenever I tthink of those. I would say that my stay here is not a road with only one path thats easy. But it has many directions and a very rocky, steep, and dark roads. But through that, it makes me small and make me depend upon the grace of God. Through those journeys, it makes me to draw near to Him, acknowledged his guidance and trust in His wisdom and Sovereignty. While im still here in BTC, I encouraged myself to always fear in Him to acquire wisdom, and always spend time to him inspite of busyness and most of all, to revere and Love Him.
3. What do you hope for BTC ten years from now?
My hope for BTC Ten years from now is that the students will become more and deeply anchored by the Word and Constant relationship to Jesus Christ. Probably Btc will have new buildings and more God glorifying ideas. I also hope that many students will come and study here for the ministry that God prepared them for the cause of Christ.