jonathan smolders

My time here at PRBI is more than preparing for a career, earning a degree, or even just growing in academic knowledge.  It is about life transformation, knowing God and knowing how to live out my life day by day in relation to Him.  So often I become caught up in the busyness of homework and daily life, and I have to keep realigning my focus on why I am here - on Jesus.

One big area of change for me has been letting go of my fear of what others think of me, and learning to actively trust God.  It took a lot for me to consciously try to speak up in class, and then eventually preach a sermon.  Now this year my wife, Karen, and I are leading one of the Marrieds Care Groups, which is something I could not have imagined myself doing three years ago.		/files/Student Spotlights/Jon Smolders.jpg

/files/Student Spotlights/Ross O 08.jpgross odnokon

 I am a second year pastoral major student here at PRBI.  Over the summer I was able to evaluate my time here and come to understand my purpose in being a Bible college student more fully.  It was really cool to look over my freshman year and see how much growth and change God worked in my life, and to even see the areas in which I can use some more sharpening.  God has been challenging me this year to make the most of my time here and apply daily the things that I am learning.  And really, the application process can be the most difficult part of learning.  Sometimes I feel overwhelmed with just how much truth and how many practical lessons I encounter each day.  Although hearing God's word and the principles of it so many times can make it feel redundant, I know that the truth that I am surrounded by is infinitely valuable and that it is the source of strength for me to walk life with integrity.  I am so blessed by the classes I am in, the books I am priviledged to read and the amazing people who care about me and build into my life on a daily basis.  I am excited to learn about God and model my life after His character.
haley campbell

One of the things God has shown me time and time again during my three years at PRBI is the incredible importance of surrendering everything to Him: my past, my future, my fears and hopes and everything in between.  Surrendering to Him completely!  It comes up in classes, discipleship and life in general.  And boy, do I suck at it.  But the awesome thing is that He is so patient with me.  When I think of this lesson, my mind always goes to the parable of the lost son (Luke 15:11-31) and I am overwhelmed by the grace the Father shows His children.  He loves me; He is patient with me and He knows I am going to screw up but He is waiting to run to me and welcome me home again and again.  I still struggle with giving things up to Him, but as I am encouraged to get to know Him and understand His character, trusting Him becomes a lot less scary and a lot more possible.		  /files/Student Spotlights/Hayley C 08.jpg