SEMINARY SOJOURN DEEPENS HER FAITH

The Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary was my home for two weeks this summer.

I lived, ate and studied at the seminary in Pittsburgh with 22 other high-schoolers who were selected to participate in the Theological Foundations for Youth summer program.

This program was created in 1998 through a Lilly Endowment grant to help churches and seminaries reach young people hoping to be future pastors and church leaders.

In the past, I thought that theology didn't have very much to do with me. At TFY, I changed my mind.

Every morning I sat in a corner of the second-floor library, surrounded by bookshelves, reading the Bible, praying and meditating. I encountered God when he spoke to me during one of these quiet times. I was pondering the question, "How do I discern my life's purpose?"

Overwhelmed, I opened my Bible and began reading. I soon came across a verse in the book of Psalms that read, "The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands."

At that moment, I knew that God was speaking to me through the Bible. In the first part of the verse, he was telling me not to worry about the future because he has a plan for my life. In the latter part of the verse, he was assuring me of his love and faithfulness.

At TFY, I discovered how to really live my faith. I spent a week volunteering at a church in North Hills, Pa. During the week, I was a counselor at a Bible club for kids. As the week went by, my faith was tested.

Kelly, one of the girls in my counseling group, often distanced herself from the rest of the kids. She showed little enthusiasm for learning the lessons or participating in activities with the other kids. I began to doubt that I would really be able to make much of a difference in her life.

On Friday, the last day of club, Kelly handed me a note. She had written to thank me and to tell me that she had fun during the past week of club. Then, Kelly's mom told me that all week, Kelly had been telling her about how much fun she had at club and how great the counselors were. I was so happy I felt like crying!

I learned I don't need to answer all of the tough questions right now. I can fulfill God's purpose for me one step at a time through my daily actions, because faith isn't just about knowing, it's about doing.