Stories of How your Giving Impacts Students

Meet Isaac! Christian Ministries major from Salem, Oregon.

 

Meet Aimee! Christian Ministries major from Brockton, Massachusetts.

 

Meet Daniel! Christian Ministries major from Puyallup, Washington

 

Stories of Gratitude

Patience Sinur, Class of 2023

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Dear Friends, The vision of Reach Training Institute (RTI) is to prepare students to be "debt-free and field ready."

I felt a strong call to ministry on my life as a junior in high school, but as I approached my senior year graduation I had come up with a million reasons why I was not equipped to fulfill this call that God had placed on my life. I didn't grow up in a Christian household, so the thought of pursuing a degree in ministry felt like a huge risk. I felt the pressure of finances when it came to applying for private Christian schools and overall doubting that God could use someone like me as a vessel for His kingdom in full-time ministry.

After I graduated high school, I started taking classes at my local community college. I found myself in a season of searching in my sophomore year of college, and it came down to me going through the motions and checking off boxes to get a degree. I felt depleted. I could feel the tension in my spirit, and the Lord began to lead me into a season of surrender and trust, which led me to apply to RTI.

God faithfully opened the door for me to become part of Cohort 6. When I accepted the offer to be a part of RTI, I had no idea how much of an impact my first year would have on me. Being a part of a cohort style learning has been a blessing in itself. We get to challenge one another, but above all, we get to grow in unity, love, and understanding of our Savior. We also have the pleasure of being led by the most supportive and encouraging faculty.

Part of RTI is discerning whether one's call is to the nations or the neighborhoods. I am currently a sophomore at RTI, which is still the beginning of my journey. The Lord has indeed revealed to me that His calling on my life is continuous. I have the responsibility to remain obedient in seasons of unknown. The decision of nations or neighborhoods has not defined my call to ministry; however, my heart is in a posture of openness and my hands are in a place of surrender, and I am willing to go wherever God leads me.

The vision of RTI could not be made possible without the prayers and financial support of those who believe in this vision. It is because of the gracious giving of others that allows RTI to be a school that not only equips students to be field-ready in their ministry but also allows them the opportunity to "go" without the worry of accumulated debt. Thank you for supporting students like me at RTI.


Jessica Mitchell, Class of 2018

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Dear Donors, I chose RTI because it was biblically-based education, but also because it had a high focus on practical hands-on ministry skills. I wanted a school that was going to teach me how to take my knowledge into the real world, and RTI did just that.

My Project Management class gave me the tools to know how to submit a proper project proposal. Preaching and teaching helped me to effectively communicate a biblically based sermon. Our theology courses prepared me to pass my licensing and ordination exams, but more importantly gave me a secure foundation for my beliefs. Emotionally Healthy Leadership and Peacemaking equipped me to be a leader who knows how to identify my own issues and handle conflict in a God-honoring way.

In addition to the personal transformation RTI provided, the reality that RTI helped me graduate debt-free was one of the greatest gifts I have received. My “yes” to God’s call couldn’t have been as assured without the financial freedom provided through RTI. When God called me to move to New York to attend Alliance Theological Seminary, I had to face the reality of the financial aspects of living in the city and obtaining a Master’s. However, having finished RTI debt-free I knew I was in a place where I was able to drop everything and go.