I chose a Christian college as a last chance. I had basically failed my freshman year of college. I thought music was my future. I was certain that I would go to school for music business and go wherever life took me. That thought came crashing down in June of 2024. I lost my scholarships, I lost opportunities; I felt lost. Then, I was given a second chance. After a long conversation with my father, I decided to major in Christian Leadership here at Manna University. Why choose a Christian university? Because you learn and develop more than skills here, you develop fruit that will bring change to the world.
During my first semester, I took Professor Julie Johnson’s Spiritual Formation course. I walked into that class with many masks. I simply had the appearance of a Christ follower, but I felt too dirty for Christ. Throughout the duration of this course, I began to experience God’s mercy and grace. I was taught how to be spiritually fed through acts of gratitude, prayer, or just time in the Bible. I learned the importance of waking up every day with the mindset of developing a Christ-like heart. In eight weeks, not only did I learn how lives are truly changed through the power of Christ, I experienced life change. The benefits of a Christian college are more than just advanced Bible knowledge; they are keys to walking like Jesus walked. Every course you take will equip you with tools you can use in real time, every day, forever. Tools that help you become a better leader, a better student, but most importantly, a disciple of Jesus.
Today, I no longer live in shame. Manna University didn’t just equip me with the tools to go out and lead; it reminded me that I can always run back to Christ. The Lord has blessed me with many leadership opportunities since I joined Manna, including leading a high school small group as well as leading the tech team and managing the social media team at my local church. I was so certain that I would be a musician and only a musician. The Lord showed me that I am so much more, but first I am His. A Bible college was never my first option, but if I got to time travel to the past and do it again, I would choose Manna University in a heartbeat. Under today’s social standards, choosing a Bible college can feel scary, but isn’t all change? A Bible college will plant seeds in you that will bear life-giving fruit. Fruit that will then bear more fruit. What I thought was the end of the road turned out to be the beginning of a new life. Choose a Bible college. Choose life change.
David Serrano, Student/Alumn