At the beginning of 2016 I began the journey of writing the thesis for last part of my Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies. This past week I finally completed this huge project in my life! (You can read the thesis attached to this post if you would like). It was quite the road to travel. I learned a lot about myself and had to learn how to keep persevering even when it felt like there was still so much to do! I want to acknowledge many people that helped me with this project:
Many people helped me to write this thesis. First, I am thankful for the team of people that send and partner financially with our family. I could not have taken the time to study, nor could we do ministry here in Ukraine and in the surrounding countries without them. I want to acknowledge the team of overseas workers that we partner with here at YWAM Ukraine, specifically our Team.710 biblical studies circle as well as the leadership team. I have been less available to teach and lead due to the time it takes to complete a project such as this. I am grateful to them for their grace and patience. Special thanks goes to the 40 people who willingly volunteered to be a part of this research, dedicating 28 mornings and evenings to complete the program. I am also very thankful that my home pastor, Bruce Adams, has always encouraged my husband and me to continue academic studies in the midst of ministry.
I also want to express my deep gratitude to my supervisor, Dr. Wilrens Hornstra. He never failed to push me to be concrete in my aims, narrow in my target and broad in my application. He challenged me personally with the content of the study, as well as professionally in excellence. His numerous revisions and comments helped my language to be more precise and consistent. He also helped me to think deeply and critically, and yet have a positive outlook, on the results of the study. The process of writing this thesis lasted over a year and he always made time every week to pray with me and talk me through the next step, I truly would not have completed this study without him.
My family has patiently watched me focus and study day after day, usually waking up to find me at the computer. My husband has taken on extra responsibilities with ministry and our family throughout this year as I have sought to grow deeper. I’m so thankful that God has given me such a wonderful family, and specifically a supportive, faithful husband. My parents have also always challenged me to do my best and to never stop learning.
And lastly, I want to thank God whose purpose for me in this master’s thesis has been much deeper than completing a degree. It has been to truly experience theosis in my personal life. I pray that this process does not stop now that I have completed this thesis, but that I grow more and more to be the human that God designed, empowered by the Holy Spirit living within me.
Teaching Adventures 