Twenty-two years ago I was eighteen years old standing in Israel on a tourism trip. I have been a few times since but this first trip was particularly amazing; it was then that God called me to preach. Immediately, I began to explore educational options. I didn't know anything and I knew that I would need as much help as I could get if I was going to effectively serve the Lord. However, my educational journey would be anything but conventional.
I married young, my wife and I began to have children, ministry opportunities were occurring, and life was getting more and more complicated. To make a very long story short, against all effort I managed to squeeze a four year undergraduate degree into nineteen years! -- I told you unconventional. -- I have longed to go to seminary ever since I was called to ministry. I would attend the Southern Baptist Convention only to have my desire for seminary training intensified after visiting the various seminary booths in the exhibit hall. After so long I had finally given up that I would ever be able to have such an opportunity; and then it happened. I had resigned from a church where I had served as pastor and really wasn't sure what the future would hold. Seminary came back to mind, but so many questions came to mind: Could I get in? Am I too old? How am I going to pay for it? Would I be able to keep up? Looking back now I can see that those questions are truly foolish considering that the only question that ever really matters is: What is God's will?
In 2012 I took a step of faith and applied at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. SWBTS took a step of faith and accepted me as a student. My seminary journey began. It has been remarkable. I have been able to immediately use training I received in ministry contexts. I have truly loved every class. I've enjoyed sitting under every professor. I have loved every minute of my seminary journey! Today, a dream will come true for me... today I will graduate with my Master's of Divinity degree. Dr. David Allen, one of the most premier preaching scholars in the world, and a man whom I greatly admire will call my name; I will walk across the stage, shake hands and receive my diploma from Dr. Paige Patterson, the president of the seminary and one of the most influential men in the history of Baptist life. For me it is surreal... I'm a graduate of one of the foremost seminaries in the world. My heart is full, overflowing and overwhelmed by the goodness of God. The journey has been tough, but it wouldn't be worth it if it wasn't hard. My family has been so supportive, my church as well. I could never put into words my appreciation for the love and support of friends, relatives and church members. My wife has been AMAZING. God has blessed me beyond measure.
BUT -- most of all I am so grateful to the Lord. God has been so good. Twenty-eight years after my salvation I still am amazed that God would choose to save me, much less use me. I am overwhelmed when I consider the doors that God has opened for me, His provision for me, and His investment in me. I look to future for what God has next with great anticipation! Thank you my friends! Thank you dear family! Thank you my sweet wife! Thank you Jesus!
Jeremy Pruitt, Mdiv.
I married young, my wife and I began to have children, ministry opportunities were occurring, and life was getting more and more complicated. To make a very long story short, against all effort I managed to squeeze a four year undergraduate degree into nineteen years! -- I told you unconventional. -- I have longed to go to seminary ever since I was called to ministry. I would attend the Southern Baptist Convention only to have my desire for seminary training intensified after visiting the various seminary booths in the exhibit hall. After so long I had finally given up that I would ever be able to have such an opportunity; and then it happened. I had resigned from a church where I had served as pastor and really wasn't sure what the future would hold. Seminary came back to mind, but so many questions came to mind: Could I get in? Am I too old? How am I going to pay for it? Would I be able to keep up? Looking back now I can see that those questions are truly foolish considering that the only question that ever really matters is: What is God's will?
In 2012 I took a step of faith and applied at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. SWBTS took a step of faith and accepted me as a student. My seminary journey began. It has been remarkable. I have been able to immediately use training I received in ministry contexts. I have truly loved every class. I've enjoyed sitting under every professor. I have loved every minute of my seminary journey! Today, a dream will come true for me... today I will graduate with my Master's of Divinity degree. Dr. David Allen, one of the most premier preaching scholars in the world, and a man whom I greatly admire will call my name; I will walk across the stage, shake hands and receive my diploma from Dr. Paige Patterson, the president of the seminary and one of the most influential men in the history of Baptist life. For me it is surreal... I'm a graduate of one of the foremost seminaries in the world. My heart is full, overflowing and overwhelmed by the goodness of God. The journey has been tough, but it wouldn't be worth it if it wasn't hard. My family has been so supportive, my church as well. I could never put into words my appreciation for the love and support of friends, relatives and church members. My wife has been AMAZING. God has blessed me beyond measure.
BUT -- most of all I am so grateful to the Lord. God has been so good. Twenty-eight years after my salvation I still am amazed that God would choose to save me, much less use me. I am overwhelmed when I consider the doors that God has opened for me, His provision for me, and His investment in me. I look to future for what God has next with great anticipation! Thank you my friends! Thank you dear family! Thank you my sweet wife! Thank you Jesus!
Jeremy Pruitt, Mdiv.
God has used you in amazing ways already! I know He has big plans for you as you do His Kingdom business. We praise God that we were able to experience your love and passion for Him. You, your family and all of our church family in Garrison, will always hold a very special place in our hearts. May God's blessings be bountiful as you continue your journey through this life. Until we meet again! Bob & Pam Gordon
ReplyDelete