Ivanna Labrador Tapias, a current Manna U student taking courses in our Certificate in Church Leadership in Spanish, shared with us some of her story and some insights into how Manna University has equipped her to lead within the local church.
“I am from Venezuela… I live in the city of Valencia,” she shares. “I am happily married and have a 7-year-old son.” Though Ivanna met her husband while they were both studying Business Administration, and she worked in that career for many years, Ivanna decided to change career path after having their son. By opening a store selling baby clothing, Ivanna found she was able to have more flexibility in her schedule, both as a mother and as a leader in the local church. Together, she and her husband lead and pastor their local church in Valencia.
Ivanna first connected to Manna University through ministry relationships. “Through our nonprofit, ‘Amor es Acción’ (Love in Action)… we learned about the university and the scholarships available for Latin American students… From the moment we heard about the program, it caught our attention.”
Ivanna describes how the classes have helped her to grow not only in knowledge, but in other areas of ministry as well, saying, “It has helped me be intentional about managing my time so I can continue growing in my ministry and personal life… My interactions with the instructors have been inspiring.” She also expressly noted that taking courses has not been the obstacle to doing ministry that some might expect. Ivanna affirms that courses like “Hermeneutics, Homiletics, and Counseling” have been especially impactful, because the information does not stop at theory, but instead informs how Ivanna practices ministry.
Ivanna is not just preparing for ministry; she is already leading. “For almost four years now, we have been leading our local church as senior pastors,” she explains. “Manna has helped me apply, in a very practical and timely way, tools related to leadership, biblical subjects, and counseling.” Even more, “It has also been a blessing for our church, as several of us are now studying at Manna.”
Manna University exists to advance the Kingdom of God– Everywhere. We believe God’s vehicle for the advancement of His Kingdom is the Church, so we serve the local church. Ivanna’s story reminds us that Manna U isn’t just educating students who are waiting to lead one day; we are educating, and equipping, and empowering those who are leading and serving faithfully in their local churches right now.
Ivanna Labrador Tapias, Student