Though Tonja was close to completing her degree, she certainly felt the challenges weighing her down as she had mental obstacles threatening to destroy what she had worked hard to accomplish. She reached out to her academic advisor, professors, and members of her Grace Student Discipleship Group for help and support, and everyone provided her with the needed prayers and encouragement. After much discernment with the Lord, she was steered back on course and stayed focused on her journey.

To fulfill the spiritual mandate placed on her life, Tonja knew that she needed to build connections with spiritual mentors committed to seeing God’s kingdom grow. She believes that Grace School of Theology is a worldwide network dedicated to transforming people’s lives through God’s Word. With every course she took and person she met, Tonja strongly felt as though everything was designed for her to be successful in earning her Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies degree. Prolific leaders, affordable tuition, and flexible class schedules are just a few of the advantages of Grace School of Theology that she points out.

Tonja recognizes Dr. Mark Cancel as one of the professors who impacted her life. Several of his classes, including Historical Books, took biblical truths to a new level. Having a firm foundation of the significance of events from the past, Tonja moves forward with better understanding of the entire biblical meta-narrative and its parts. She used the ideas she had acquired to comprehend the past and it provided her the courage and self-assurance to impart sound biblical knowledge to others.

Another notable teacher Tonja appreciates is Senior Chaplain Ken Schlenker, an experienced and well-known chaplain and trainer in different fields. She was able to see the world in a new light after taking the Foundations of Crisis Intervention course. Whether the class attendance was large or small, Chaplain Ken engaged each student to think deeply and apply widely. Chaplain Ken also cared for his students’ needs as he knew the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual exhaustion being a chaplain and caretaker entailed. The questions he raised deeply affected the fabric of their being—going beyond what was required to help those who needed transformation.