Indonesian-born Grady Yonas came to Hartland intending to pursue the Christian Media Ministry major. But as he studied, God unexpectedly convicted him to move into the Pastoral Evangelism major, and He has now led him to the CAMPUS1 ministry for his senior-year internship.
Through Hartland, God began to qualify Grady for his calling. “At Hartland I grew to an extent I wouldn’t have anywhere else,” Grady says. Interestingly, much of his growth took place outside the classroom. He learned “time management, self-discipline, cleanliness, leadership through working with YDYD,² and teamwork—like during the Piedmont Youth Camp.” These have turned out to be valuable qualifications for his internship.
At CAMPUS, Grady’s responsibilities range from preaching at different church and conference events to leading out in Bible studies and small groups on secular campuses in the Michigan Conference. He is part of a team that works together in ministry. “The training at CAMPUS is unique because it offers not only practical work with local churches, but also teaches how to reach students in public universities,” Grady comments.
Working with uncommitted students from Christian backgrounds has especially inspired Grady: “I’ve realized that the college years are very crucial. Many young people leave their faith at this time. They failed to make the transition of adopting their parents’ beliefs as their own. Many also question the deeper things in life. This is where CAMPUS plays its role. We want to introduce them to Jesus and the truth. The most exciting part of this job is when someone is willing to give his or her life to Jesus and be baptized.”
Grady is sure that as he works with CAMPUS, God is continuing to qualify him for his calling. It’s challenging work: “I have been pushed to the limit by having to prepare three to four sermons for a weekend while still visiting people, having business meetings, and giving Bible studies. There have been many situations where I wouldn’t have been able to handle things alone. But God has given me strength countless times. I don’t know where exactly God is leading me, but I will be willing to go wherever He calls me. Now I know for sure that I can do anything through Christ.” That assurance is the best of all qualifications for ministry!
1 Center for Adventist Ministry to Public University Students
2 Youth, Do You Dare? —Student-led ministry to Seventh-day Adventist youth