As far back as I can remember I knew that there was a God. I grew up in a Christian family, going to church and Bible Camp. I went to Sunday school, and learned all the songs. So I learned about Jesus while I was very young, and knew about Him dying on the cross.

It wasn't till I was 14 years old that I made a decision for Christ, while at Bible camp. Camp wasn't something new for me. I'm 22 years old now, and I've been attending Twin Lakes Bible Camp for 21 years. (It would be 22 years, but I haven't been back to camp yet this year!)

It was August 10th, 2004. I was at Family Camp and my uncle Arthur was preaching. But I wasn't listening -- in fact my buddies and I were just messing around outside on our bikes. Then, for some reason I had to go look for my mom and dad.

I went over to the big tent and stood by the door because I didn't want to walk right in. I started listening to the message and it really scared me. More than that, it convicted me. It felt like my uncle was preaching right at me. At the end of the message there was an invitation to come forward, and my uncle also invited people to approach him after the service if they wished. I didn't want to go by myself, so I convinced two of my buddies to come with me to talk with my uncle. We talked with him and committed our lives to Christ.

I knew about Key-Way-Tin Bible Institute since I was young. I had relatives attend here, including my uncle Frank (who now serves on KBI staff). I graduated from high school when I was 18 and had it in my heart to come to KBI, but I put it off.

There were different things like KBI conferences and NorthQuest youth retreats that helped draw me here. When my desire to know God began to grow, I knew that going to Bible school was the right thing to do, and Key-Way-Tin was here for me. When my sister Katie decided to come here, that helped my final decision to come.

Living in the dorm with a bunch of other single guys has been good, though sometimes we have to work through our differences. It's a blessing to be with guys who are seeking Christ, too.

I've learned some significant things in class lately, especially our study of Revelation. I used to just skim through it, and didn't really understand much of it. It can scare people because of what it says about end days. But I saw a skit on the internet where a guy is worried about the world becoming so bad. Then he says, "I read the 'Book' and Jesus wins in the end."

A Bible verse that I've hung onto all year -- because it's been a year of growth and stretching pains, and I've felt weak, yet strong in Christ -- is 2 Corinthians 12:9b: "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."