It is amazing to look back at these last two and a half
years and see how God has worked in my life as I attended CSB/SJU. I remember walking into my first Theology
class not knowing what to expect; little did I know that in these classes I was
going to meet God in a serious, real, and relevant way. Going back to school was initially an
intimidating thought to me since I had been out of formal schooling for three
years. But the timing was right. I had recently went through a confusing and
humbling life experience and only God knew that I needed a fresh start, a
chance to grow and heal, and ultimately cultivate my relationship with God in a
way I had desperately needed for a very, VERY
long time. Being unsure of what to
expect in this new learning environment, I remember instantly feeling at home
in the Theology program. I knew that
this was where God wanted me at that specific time of my life and in January of
2010, my theological journey began.
I do not remember exactly when I was first introduced to St.
Anselm’s definition of theology, but it defined my theological journey quite
well: “Faith seeking understanding.” I
was not looking to be spoon-fed what to believe anymore, but to wrestle with
and work out my understanding of God and my relationship with God. In the Theology program at CSB/SJU, I found
the challenge, the encouragement, and the openness I needed to flourish in my
intellectual and spiritual journey. It
was not easy at times but I learned to truly appreciate what I believe and it
opened my heart to what God was calling me to do. It was evident that God was using my professors
and fellow theology majors/minors in a mighty way in my journey at
CSB/SJU. I am so thankful for them and I
know that is was by no mistake God brought them all into my life. My fellow
sisters and brothers in Christ from varying denominations opened my eyes and
heart to a wider and clearer understanding of what it means to be a part of the
Body of Christ. The challenges and
differences that we grappled through only made our unity is Christ stronger and
for that I am so very thankful. You all
helped to paint a beautiful and colorful picture of the diversity of God’s
people. Thank you for getting me out of
my theological bubble; I count you all as blessings in my life.
Some may be asking, “What to do now?” It is quite clear that God has called Riley
and I to stay in St. Cloud for the next year.
God opened and closed doors and we believe that this is a year of
waiting on the LORD for our next move.
The LORD has given me the wonderful opportunity to work with fantastic
people at Central MN Youth for Christ and some amazing young ladies at
BRAID. I am excited to see what the LORD
has in store for this year! I know that
right now God is personally calling me to ministry with these young ladies and
I praise the LORD that I get to have another year with them. When the timing is right, I know God will
make it evident when I am supposed to go back to school, but for now, youth ministry
is where my heart is at and CSB/SJU has fully
equipped me for this vocational calling.
Once again, I just want to thank all of my theology
professors for the passion, intelligence, and vigor that you instilled into me
as your student. I pray that you know
you are making a huge difference in the lives of many individuals. Thank you to all my fellow theology majors
and minors for learning alongside of me and being some of the most inspiring
young adults that I have every met.
Thank you to the people at Youth for Christ for making me feel at home
there and constantly encouraging me in my faith, work, and ministry; I look
forward to our next year together. Thank
you to my wonderful husband, friends, family, and in-laws who have been
supportive in my academic and spiritual journey. Mom and dad, I know that you are proud of me and
that means the world to me. And last but
definitely not least, thank you God for being forever faithful to me and for Your
continual guidance in this ultimate journey called life.
-Pippa Quiram
