Importance Of Growing Up In The Church

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Growing up in the church has really shaped the way I live my life. My family started attending Roxana Church of the Nazarene in Roxana, Illinois shortly after I began going to their daycare when I was two years old. I grew up with the same pastor, Larry Lacher, for eighteen years, which was such a blessing. I was able to share times of joy and times of sorrow, times success and times of defeat, and everything in between with Pastor Larry. Looking back, I am grateful in sharing those experiences with my church family. My parents divorced when I was six. My father suffered from a drug and alcohol problem that resulted in my parent’s divorce. It was tough seeing my mom so upset while I was so young. Without the love from our church family it would have been even tougher. I have

Today, I am at the point where I can finally make this dream a reality. Ever since I can remember, the medical field was something that has intrigued me, for I am passionate about helping others and want to be a person who can make a difference. With my desire to serve God and humanity, I have chosen to attend Olivet Nazarene University. Since I stepped foot on the campus in seventh grade, I knew there was no other school I wanted to attend. After touring Olivet’s nursing school this past year, I could not be more confident in my decision. I know that Olivet will not only prepare me for my career, but Olivet will also prepare me for life. “Education with a Christian Purpose” is Olivet’s focus, and I am certain that is exactly what I will receive. By attending Olivet, I know I will be challenged to do well academically and to grow spiritually. In the short week that I have been at Olivet, I have already been challenged in my faith, been asked deep questions, and felt God’s presence all over