“ Although I did not know it at the time, God would use Youth Conference to lead me to study at IBCS. ”
As
a high school senior, I came to the IBCS Youth Conference with little prior knowledge about the college or the conference. I had heard positive testimonies and knew graduates from IBCS, but I went only because administrators from my Christian high school recommended it. After arriving at IBCS, I was greeted by enthusiastic and helpful college students who offered their help for anything I needed. They oriented me to the order of events and gave me a quick tour of the campus. As much as those college students could, they exhibited hospitality, generosity, and warmth.
The conference itself was spectacular. I was surrounded by fellow young people who loved Christ, wanted to learn, yet still had fun. The atmosphere created by the student body led me to be fully involved in the activities. What really grabbed my attention were the faculty-led workshops. These workshops were not like college classes; the professors addressed areas of life with Scripture. Even though I had made no plans to go to a Christian college after high school, seeing both a student body and faculty who loved God and loved people struck deeply. Although I did not know it at the time, God would use this youth conference to lead me to study at IBCS, where He is preparing me for pastoral ministry.
Now, as a sophomore at IBCS in my second year helping to 
host youth conference, it is an encouraging time of year. I have the privilege to be a part of a student body eager to serve young people however we can. Every student who comes could be another man or woman called by God to lifelong ministry. Many IBCS students and alumni credit the IBCS Youth Conference for their attendance. Their ministry can be traced back to a desire that came out of a youth conference. I count it a great privilege to represent and serve alongside both professors, staff, and students who fear God, love truth, and serve the local church—not for our praise and recognition, but all to the glory of God.