Faith Nelson (g’26)
“[The students attending SP&D] are going through the same things as me. It made me realize how the Lord is guiding this ministry because I might be the face of SP&D, but it’s amazing to realize we’re all on this journey together and it’s a gift to lead them in this chapter of our lives.”
“My interactions with people and doing life together have shown me my goal of going into Christian counseling. I’ve always had that desire, but I’ve been able to practice some of those skills and realized that I can learn so much more. I’ve always been a people person, but being in this community has only reinforced that desire in me.”
“Through my classes, my love and desire to learn more about who God is has grown so much. It’s also being around like-minded people who are pushing me. I read the book, “Reading Theology Wisely,” in Systematic Theology I. It was a study of God, a living being who interacts with us as we learn more about Him. The only reason we can pursue him is that He has already pursued us. That blew my mind and is something I’ll carry for the rest of my life.”
Pryce Holloway (g’26)
“I want to go into medical school, and as a doctor, you must be ready to lead at any time of day. Being a resident assistant (RA) is where I was most prepared. It’s day in, day out and you have 20 guys looking up to you. Every person has different strengths or ways they want to be led and talked to, so you must be ready for that.”
“Over the past two summers, I’ve interned at Citizen Potawatomi Nation (dad’s heritage; mother is Osage) at their healthcare facilities. Seeing Native American healthcare firsthand confirmed the need exists and my desire to be part of it. That steered me in this direction, and the next summer, I studied Native American youth. I also got to travel to Harvard University for a four-week apprenticeship and be among the best of the best.”
“Coming out of high school, I didn’t know much about the person I was or who I wanted to be. Looking back at my time at Tabor, I can see how I’ve discovered more of my identity every year. God has been molding me and in claiming Him as my identity, it’s not the world or the things I do that define me. I can see the transformation that has happened in my life. I’ve been refined every year, grown academically and taken on several leadership opportunities.”
Lexi Milne (g’26)
“I was led to music because I feel the Lord blesses us in specific ways. I wanted to grow those gifts while also taking education classes. I enjoy the opportunity to teach music and it is something that I am passionate about. I’ve directed Christmas programs at my church, so I’d love to be able to do music with kids.”
“You must learn and connect with people. No matter the ensemble or show you’re chosen for or cast in, it’s a group of people with different strengths. Being from a smaller community, it was eye-opening for me. I got to hear new ideas and learn from people with different levels of experience. I’ve made such great friendships with so many people.”
“Tabor has transformed my mission as a Christ follower. Being surrounded by like-minded people, I learned more about building my own faith and ministering to others. I had opportunities to work at the local dance studio and intern at Hillsboro MB Church and Zoar MB Church (in Inman, Kan.). I learned a lot about teaching in a Christian environment, particularly how to serve students who do not always come from Christian homes. That’s where I fell in love with kids’ ministry and Tabor has been able to foster all of these gifts and passions God has given me.”
Blaine Zimmerman (g’26)
“I liked the layout of the program and the courses offered. They seemed to be more intensive than other ministry programs I explored, and I really enjoyed my professors. My biggest takeaway is the importance of the kingdom of God. That theme shows up through each course as well as how to think critically as you dive deeper.”
“It’s being a part of something bigger than yourself. In band, we help refine each other’s skills and build a subcommunity within Tabor. You get to learn more about yourself.”
“I think of my classes and experiencing different viewpoints and worldviews. We are on a Christian campus, so we get to see things through a faith-based lens, which prepared me to know what others might believe and then share my faith with them. Being informed is half the battle, and hearing about someone’s upbringing in or out of the church helps you connect more deeply with them.”