Why do you desire to attend ORU, and how does this relate to your life goals? Currently a student in ORU’s undergraduate program, I understand and have a great appreciation for the quality of education that this institution provides. The thorough nature of the courses, the expertise of the professors, the focus on biblical principles and the genuine concern of the professors are all key factors that have influenced my desire to attend the graduate program at ORU. I have experienced and can attest to the quality of education that ORU provides and wish to be instructed under an institution that places strong emphasis on developing the whole person. Having a keen desire to continue to develop intellectually, spiritually and physically, I feel …show more content…
It was at the age of twelve that I made the public decision to accept Christ as my savior and be baptized. Prior to this public profession, I had asked the Lord into my life and had been instructed in the principles of our faith. Despite this fact however, the initial public profession of my faith was a life changing moment for me. I grew up in the church as a pastor’s kid. My father, during his life, was a preacher of God’s word and my mother, actively involved in the ministries of our church. Following is suit, my two younger sisters likewise assumed roles in a number of the ministries of our church, including the children’s church ministry, Sunday school ministry and orchestra, just to name a few. Spending the majority of my free hours at church, afforded me the opportunity to grow as a Christian and helped me to build a strong biblical foundation. Coupled with my heavily involvement in the life of my church, I attended an Anglican school (from primary school to high school) where, as with ORU, I was expected to attend campus worship service two times per week; once for an assembly and the second time for a mass. The time spent at the Anglican school also helped to shape my faith and …show more content…
Our church had put together a family fun run in which my dad was competing in and was in first place at the time of the incident. This event, both untimely and unwelcomed, altered the course of my life forever. The dynamic of my family was altered and being the head and founding pastor of our church, the dynamic of my church life, altered likewise. A few months after my father’s death, my nuclear family and I relocated to Tulsa OK in order to attend ORU. This transition was both difficult and uncomfortable. Adjusting to a new country, new university, and new family dynamic as well as being displaced from my extended and church family proved overall to be an overwhelming experience. As discussed in the previous section, I have found however, that in times of discomfort and great pressure, my relationship with God grows most. It was during this time that my perspective of life changed and my relationship with God grew. During the time that directly followed my father’s death, at his funeral and even today, I have people who approach me and tell me of what a difference my dad has made in their lives, or how much his life and walk with the Lord has inspired them and how his ministry has impacted their lives. Through these encounters I have developed a greater understanding of the importance of living a life of purpose and vision. Creating a comfortable life for oneself is a worthwhile goal.