School is out for the summer, but 13 Columbia International University students are finding it an ideal time for ministry.

The students are enrolled in the College of Intercultural Studies (CICS) internship program that integrates guided study and field experience in cross-cultural ministry under a CIU faculty mentor.

Amanda Keeny is serving two months in Odessa, Ukraine teaching English and partnering with a local youth group as a means to present the hope of Christ found in the gospel.

“The ICS internship program is great because it is tailored to the individual student and is based on (our) interests, calling, and skill set,” Keeny said.  “Because the internship must be at least six weeks long, it is an outstanding opportunity to be exposed to other cultures and get a clearer perspective on missionary life.”

The other interns are serving in Albania, Bolivia, Central Asia, Croatia, East Asia, France, Hungary, India, Macedonia, the Middle East, and Moldova.

-Abbey Le Roy

I’m excited about road trips, friends’ weddings, a steady work schedule, new books to read, and more time to relax.

What about you?  What are you most looking forward to this summer?

-Abbey Le Roy

I could write at great length on all I’ve learned at CIU, but I don’t think many people would read it.  Instead come with me down memory lane, and I’ll share four lessons that have shaped me during my time here.

Freshman Year – The Importance of Integrity
Proverbs 22:1 – A good name is more desirable than great riches.

Sophomore Year – The Value of God’s Word
Job 23:12 – I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread.

The past four years have been full of excitement, adventures, and learning.  But there have also been disappointments, challenges, and frustration.

Having said that, I can summarize my college years – the good and the bad – in three little words:

He is enough.

Whether or not I realized it at the time, I have never faced a bad day, major disappointment, or change of plans for which His grace was not sufficient.  He has not failed me.  He has proven Himself to be faithful day in and day out.

Four years, several courses, hundreds of chapels, and quite a bit of money later, those three words (and the life lesson they represent) make the entire experience worthwhile.  As thrilled as I’ll be to receive a diploma on Saturday, I’m even more grateful to leave CIU with three words through which I can filter every past, present, and future circumstance.

He is enough.

-Abbey Le Roy

It’s hard to respect a leader who doesn’t practice what he preaches. Imagine listening to an Army General instruct on accurate shooting, when he himself had never shot a gun. An English teacher’s lectures would seem meaningless to you if she didn’t know how to speak English. And it’s hard to respect Christian leaders when they seem to say through their lives, “Do what I say, not what I do.”  

That’s why I’m glad our President at CIU, Dr. Bill Jones, is a different kind of Christian leader. He practices what he preaches. Some pastors and teachers may preach, “Memorize Scripture! It’s important!” but how many actually do it themselves? Well, Dr. Jones says, “Memorize Scripture! It’s important!” But he memorized ALL of Mark 1-5 this year and was bold enough to recite all that Scripture from memory in a recent chapel.

I know I’ve preached to people, “Tell people about Jesus! It’s important!” But how many times have I actually done that myself? Well, Dr. Jones constantly teaches his students in his Evangelism and Discipleship class, “Tell people about Jesus! It’s important!” But he actually does it. He humbly asks for prayer from CIU students during chapels before Gospel sharing opportunities. He builds relationships with local businessmen and leaders around Columbia, so that He can have opportunities to share the Gospel. And he constantly gives unbelievers the opportunity to accept or reject the message of salvation.    

As our fearless leader leads the charge toward evangelism and Scripture memorization, students are inspired to equip themselves with tips and tools for evangelism, the discipline of Scripture memorization, and persistent prayer. All because Dr. Bill Jones practices what he preaches.

-Aaron Sobey  

Another semester has come and is nearly over, but before we rush off into the excitement of summer, there is more work still to be accomplished.

Final exams,

Research papers,

Last minute assignments,

…you get the idea.

Every semester I adopt a tactic to help me survive the final few weeks.  One semester it was exercise, another time it was a special iTunes playlist, and once it was off-campus activities.

This semester?  Food.  (I was going to choose exercise again, but I didn’t want to be repetitive.)  There’s just something about a good study snack that does wonders for productivity.  Some of my personal favorites are, in no particular order, Pretzel M&M’s, Sundried Tomato & Basil Wheat Thins, guacamole and/or queso (let’s go with and instead of or), and Lay’s Kettle Cooked Sea Salt & Vinegar chips.

Remember, this is meant to be a boost for the last couple weeks of the semester and in no way reflects my eating habits or lifestyle.

What about you?  Any tips on coping?  Favorite late-night snacks?

-Abbey Le Roy

One of the aspects I most appreciate about my time at CIU is the opportunity I’ve had to learn from the theological persuasions of classmates.  While CIU does a great job emphasizing its core value of Evangelical Unity, there is also room for discussion among brothers and sisters in Christ.  Often these discussions stimulate further thought and scripture searching which benefit me intellectually and strengthen me spiritually.

An example of one such dialogue was in class this morning.  A fellow classmate shared the above video as part of a presentation, and we had a little bit of time to discuss different perspectives on the issue.  Although it is impossible to know with certainty the answers to our deepest theological questions, there is value in learning to listen with humility and to respond in grace.

It is likely that I will leave CIU with more questions than answers, but I pray that over the past four years I have gained a willingness to learn from other believers and a heart that is bursting at the seams with awe for a God I can’t fully comprehend.

-Abbey Le Roy

I once heard someone say, “God is able to redeem even our mistakes for His glory.”  In light of the recent passing of evangelical leader Chuck Colson, I understand more clearly the reality of that statement.

Colson, a convicted felon due to his involvement with the Watergate scandal, was incarcerated for seven months.  After his life was transformed by the truth of the gospel, he went on to found Prison Fellowship Ministries and authored several books on Christianity.  Many of Colson’s friends note the correlation between his effectiveness for God’s kingdom and his understanding of his own capacity for (and history of) sin.

God’s redeeming love is clearly woven throughout the fabric of Colson’s life.  It’s easy as CIU students to forget our desperate need of God’s grace, but I pray that we will be aware of our condition without Him, embrace fully what He freely offers, and live in gratitude for His grace – a grace that is able to redeem even our mistakes for His glory.

-Abbey Le Roy

All of these are accurate descriptors of Dr. Anita Cooper, director of CIU’s Bible Teaching program.  But the newest title for Dr. Cooper?  Recipient of the 2012 Excellence in Teaching Award presented by South Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities.

Recognized for her outstanding work in the classroom, Dr. Cooper was honored at an awards dinner and given a professional development grant.

While I have been impacted by many of the wonderful faculty members during my time at CIU, I can’t imagine a better candidate for this award.  Dr. Cooper has often been a bright spot in my day and will stand out in my mind as a godly influence for many years to come.

Click here to read more about Dr. Cooper and this prestigious award.     

-Abbey Le Roy

Over the weekend I started reading Not a Fan by Kentucky pastor Kyle Idleman.  The basic premise of the book is distinguishing fans of Jesus from followers of Jesus.

Idleman defines fans as “enthusiastic admirers,” people who are “close enough to Jesus to get the benefits but not so close to require sacrifice.”  After describing characteristics of fans, Idleman argues that Jesus was looking for completely committed followers – people who count the cost of true discipleship.

Not a Fan is a quick read with a profound impact, and I recommend it highly to anyone looking to be challenged.  Click here to find out more.

-Abbey Le Roy