First-year student Ryan Chapman, from Kodak, Tenn., is thankful for the role that the Lord, his family and friends have played in directing his life toward Clear Creek.

“I was saved at a revival meeting when I was 10 years old,” said Chapman. “I remember being under such heavy conviction during the service. When the invitation was given, I went forward and accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior of my life. Jesus changed everything about me. That was the best day of my life, and I will never forget the day He saved me. Nothing compares to the greatness of knowing Jesus Christ.

“I thank God for the great family He has given me,” said Chapman. “My family is pretty big, and they all played a part in raising me from day one. My family is such an encouragement to me, and we all grow in the Lord Jesus Christ which is the best thing ever. We all draw strength from each other in the Lord.

“I found out about Clear Creek through an alumnus who is a great friend of mine,” added Chapman. “When I came for a campus visit I got to experience everything about the campus. I talked with the Admissions Office, sat through some of the classes, ate lunch with students in the dining hall, went to a chapel service, took a tour of the campus, and got to see where I would live in the single men’s dorm. I knew from that day on that Clear Creek is where the Lord wanted me. So I did everything I needed to do in the admissions process, and now it is great to be here as a student.

“I know God has called me to preach. I don’t know exactly where the Lord is going to lead me right now, but I do know that I surrender all and wherever He leads me I will go,” he said.

“The classes here at Clear Creek have been such a wonderful experience for me,” said Chapman. “They have helped me tremendously in ministry equipping and have helped me grow closer to our Lord Jesus Christ. If it is God’s will for you to train for ministry, do it at Clear Creek.”

Larry Gritton is the president of Oneida Baptist Institute.