BBC Foundation - Testimonies

Christie (Stodard) Lothamer
B.S. in Bible and Women’s Ministries 1998
M.S. in Counseling Ministries 2002

"The biggest thing Baptist Bible Graduate School taught me was how to be a biblical thinker. It taught me to think about psychology and people's problems from a biblical point of view first and how to sift everything through the Word of God.

The financial aid was a huge blessing. Because I was working full time and going through the program, the financial aid I received enabled me to graduate with a smaller amount of debt. It was great not to finish with a huge debt."

"I was impressed by Baptist Bible Seminary's internship program. I thought BBS provided me with an excellent education, as it is one of the most rigorous seminary programs in the country. Attending BBS has prepared me to be much more effective in ministry. They have excellent faculty and a flexible program with modular courses so men who are in ministry can attend without leaving their ministry. The program takes into consideration the needs of the student without compromising quality. BBS provides an excellent seminary education."

"I have known several graduates from BBC and really admire how they live and desire to serve the Lord with their future. I wanted to put myself under schooling that had the potential to shape me in those same ways. At BBC, I have learned how all parts of my life must be interacting with each other...my classes influence conversations, and dorm life and relationships challenge me to apply what I'm learning. I have learned that knowledge apart from seeking to apply it to how I live and think in reality is worthless."

Bradley Osborn
M.S. in Christian School Education: Health, Physical Education & Sport 2003

"My time at Baptist Bible Graduate School transformed my mind. Every professor has a unique testimony, and they each lived it and walked it. They really cared about us; it's not just about a grade or teaching or a diploma. They not only taught us that relationship building is important; they showed us. God's Word is integrated in everything you do. God's Word is at the top, and you teach everything through it. I loved what I was learning. Every time you're coaching you're sharing the Word. Going to BBGS really taught me how to teach and coach using the Word of God."

"I chose BBC because I had a desire for future ministry, and I knew this was a great school for ministry preparation. Also when I visited and met Coach Show, I wanted to play basketball for him. I wanted to be part of this program which was so much more than just the sport, but about life, family, and loving God. I just seemed to fit into the spirit and atmosphere of the students. God used faculty members at BBC to change my life. In particular, Coach Show and Dwight Peterson demonstrated to me a passion for God and ministry, exemplified a deep love relationship with their wives and children, and portrayed a broad knowledge and application of the Scriptures in their lives. I leave with the influence of these men of how to be a man who loves and walks with God."

Cynthia has been committed to ministry since she was a child. "I knew since I was young that I wanted to be involved in ministry full-time. My parents are missionaries in Brazil, and I knew I wanted to do the same thing," she said.

Because of her commitment to ministry, she chose Baptist Bible College. "It was very comforting to have a 'family' in the dorms, and I thought BBC would be the best place to study for ministry." Through her time at BBC, God continued to work in Cynthia's life. "In many ways, I saw how God transformed my heart and life and trained me to be a leader. God grew me in grace, knowledge, and in so many other areas. The relationships in the dorm were huge. They were mentoring relationships."

Cynthia knew from the beginning that she wanted to graduate without debt, and God's provision made that possible. "God proved over and over that He would take care of me. I received so many anonymous gifts, and I know some of them were from people at BBC. I was able to have confidence that God wanted me at BBC through His providing financially. I did not have to take out a single school loan because God provided money through work, scholarships, and gifts."

Cynthia graduated from BBC in the Women's Ministry program. "I am raising support to go back to Brazil to do church planting, discipleship, and children's ministries. I know I want to go to Brazil for full-time missions some day."