Student Testimonies
First Year Student Testimonies
Britani Roesch
GL has been quite the journey in the last few months, well, finding God has been quite the journey! I’ve learned a lot so far about my life, God and who He really is. I’ve given my life to Jesus and chosen to live in the new life of His Kingdom as a new creation. I’ve been born again! I’ve been filled with the Holy Spirit and God gave me the gift of speaking in tongues. I’ve literally been taken out by God’s glory. I’ve learned how to find my ‘fix’ through Jesus instead of drugs, boys or anything else! I am finding a new identity in Jesus and learning to find my worth in Him. Jesus is showing me how to be a lady of excellence. Soon, I’ll be leading others to find their ‘fixes’ in Jesus Christ! I’ve learned so much and have so much to learn. I can’t wait until three months from now!
Liz Habel
My first three months in Generational Leadership have been amazing, challenging and fun. I feel like it took a lot for me to get here and a lot for me to stay here. I was sick with mono at the start of the year, but my perseverance has been well worth it. Jesus has really come alive in me and I know who I am, His daughter. My worth doesn’t come from this world, my family, friends or the clothes I wear. My identity is in Jesus. I have learned a great amount about healthy relationships with guys and friends. Not only have I learned about ‘normal’ relationships, but I have new relationships with my friends in class and church. God has changed my heart and has given me so much wisdom; I can’t wait to see how the end of the year turns out!
Mackenzie Cles
When I think about the past three months in Generational Leadership, I think about the verse in Romans 12 that says, “Don’t be conformed to the world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” These past months have truly been renewing my mind and changing the way I think about others, the Lord, the world and myself. I am getting answers and I am getting revelation. The truths I am learning in GL are eternal. I am writing the Word of the Lord on my heart and it is changing me. I will use these truths the rest of my life and I am so glad I spent this year to completely let God do what he wants in this season of my life.
Steven Saracco
I start a lot of my papers out with phrases like, ‘WOW’, ‘Oh my gosh’ or ‘This is so amazing!’ Really, there’s no other way to say what’s been happening to me. Even in coming back to Sutherlin, where I grew up, I notice the ways I used to walk, the filth I was treading through. For example, my relationships with girls were not healthy. I feel terrible for the way I’ve treated girls in the past, but I’m so excited to know I get a new start! Jesus loves us enough to give us a second chance! I don’t have to find my self-worth in girls anymore, WHICH IS AWESOME! I don’t have to do things to impress my friends. I don’t have to change myself at all; I just get to BE the man Christ has called me to be. I’ve found the truth that says I am a new creation in Christ. The old Steven is no more! I can see the new me in action and I love how God is working in me. I’ve loved seeing God give me people to minister to. I don’t have to throw the Bible down their throats, because people really want what I have, life in Jesus! Nobody wanted what I had to offer last year, but so many want me to share the light I’ve received and that’s an amazing feeling!
Danielle Langlois
The first three months of GL have been so amazing. Jesus has blown my expectations out of the water! When I came to GL I had no idea what I was getting myself into. All I knew was God told me this was where I needed to be, so I signed on the dotted line! When I first arrived I was stressed out and overwhelmed. The first two weeks were all about the rules. I remember thinking to myself; “I’m 22 years old so why do I need a curfew?” I now realize how good these boundaries are for me and they’ve helped me grow so much. Honestly, it hasn’t been easy, but it’s definitely worth it! I’ve continued to step out of my comfort zone and this is where I have grown the most. I realize now how far I’ve really come. It’s crazy to think of everything we’ve gone through so far. Jesus is transforming me from the inside out and it’s showing. There are times when I’ll look in the mirror and not even recognize myself. GL has been a Godsend for me and my class, as well as the staff, has been extremely supportive. I knew I needed something intense and God has been rocking my world! I learn and discover new truths every day and God continues to reveal Himself more and more. I’m excited to see where Jesus takes me next!
Kayla Rinke
I’ve remembered well the message given years ago by one of my wise church elders, Don Photenhauer. He said, “Our life in Christ is a continual process of death, burial and resurrection.” As I look at the last three months I see this process has taken place continually in the intense refining I have willingly and joyfully submitted to. It has not made me perfect, but it is perfecting all facets of my life and producing in me lasting character and righteousness. It has been beautiful to see that the promises of the Lord are indeed true and faithful. I have learned these last few months through practical application that the Lord honors those who honor Him. God meets my hunger. His glory answers to my humility. His love has placed a new worth upon me. Through Godly wisdom and the application thereof I am being transformed in spirit, soul and body. By encountering the heart of God I find everything in the universe takes on new meaning and purpose. All that there is to this life of Kingdom living is good and only continues to get better.
Kristie Jorgenson
It’s not possible to sum up the last three months in one paragraph. God has been doing so much in me and my life has drastically changed. I am falling more in love with the Lord and I’ve noticed I even have a greater love for others. Through me the Lord is able to love other people and bless them. I’m not able to do it on my own it is Christ in me. I have been through a lot of healing and restoration in the last three months. God is continually revealing Himself in a new way and I am blown away by what an amazing God I serve. It gets me excited for what Jesus has for me in the next months and years. I know He is making me into a leader and I’m excited for what he wants to do. I am honored and thankful that the Lord has such good plans for me. God has had His hand on my life even through the tough times when I could have easily fallen away. It is by His unfailing love and mercy that I have continued to stay on the right path. I am so happy to serve Him and I am looking forward to all the Lord still has in store for me.
Tori Brooks
This year is just flying by. Seeing my sister this past week, I was reminded of just how much I’ve changed in the last three months. It’s strange to be around people I haven’t been around for so long. It’s an interesting transition! I still have so much to learn this year and I can’t wait. I know I have so much more growing to do and I want to savor every day. I’m truly blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful people. It’s hard to know how spoiled I am to be able to see them everyday until a break comes along and I can’t see them everyday. Someone asked me, “So, do you like GL?” I never in my life thought I’d be able to answer yes, but I did!
Stephanie Kessler
In the first three months at Generational Leadership I’ve learned many things. However, a few things have really begun to change my heart. The first is forgiveness. I have learned to forgive and cast my cares upon the Lord. I can let Him take care of the judgment I thought was mine to dole out. I’ve also begun to learn what it means to be a godly woman. I’ve learned how to honor my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. I’ve learned how to be truly grateful for what the Lord has given me and not to complain about the fire that refines me. I’ve learned what God’s truth demands, His grace will provide. I don’t have to do all these things on my own, but Jesus will help me through them all.
Johnny Koalska
As a part of Generational Leadership so far, I have been convicted, frustrated and humbled. Without all these things my faith would be going down instead of up. I’ve been learning so many truths I can practically apply to my life. To put it very simply, everyone should do this!