By Aaron E. Ziebarth, Executive Director
A month and a half ago I received a message from a student in our 4.12 Leadership Training Program.
“Hey, Aaron! I was wondering if you could read over and proofread this paper I wrote. It is unrelated to camp, but something I wrote over the past year or two. It is a paper I wrote to describe the foundation of my faith used to evangelize.”
I replied that I would be glad to read it and offer feedback. I had no idea what to expect.
I have known Jake to be a solid young man, so I was expecting a good paper. Yet I was blown away by what I read. You see, approximately four years ago Jake had questions about his faith. He started digging in deep, he asked questions and he researched.
He was learning so much that he decided to compile the information into a paper entitled, “The Foundations of My Faith.” His paper includes several sections: 1) Did we originate by intelligent design? 2) Which religion is true? 3) Is the Bible reliable? 4) Doesn’t science disprove the Bible? 5) What does it mean to be a true Christian? The final chapter he closes the paper with his testimony.
I was so impressed. The research was exceptional. The biblical truths that he presented were very spot on. I thought others would be encouraged to see of his diligent work, so I invited him to present this during a staff meeting.
After he presented his paper, the staff response was very positive and encouraging.
One staff member said, “You sought wisdom and God has given it to you.”
Another staff member shared, “Many people have questions about their faith, but very few are willing to take the time to search it out. You have taken the time and have found great truth.”
Jake’s words still resound in my ears, “I no longer believe because I have to. I believe because I have experienced the life-changing power of God.”
This is the essence of our mission. Scripture tells us in John 8:32, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Jake sought the truth and it set him free. I am thankful that God is raising a generation of those who seek Him. And His truth is setting people free!
Will you join me in praying that more people will become searchers of the truth?
Would you like to read Jake’s paper? Here is the link: goo.gl/6rtZpw
