DR. ED MYERS, di rectorof Harding School of Biblical Studies, hands Jeremy Swindle his certificate of completion July 30. HSBS was atwo-year program that offered anon -traditiona l Bible curricu lum. • J. MONTGOMERY ALTERNATE ROUTE he students who attended the Harding School of Biblical Studies were different ages and came from different places - yet they were all united by the same goal: to serve God. Because of HSBS' 5 intensive year-round training course, students said they were well-prepared to leave Harding and go out into the world. "HSBS is geared to men or women who want to make a living in ministry," Ledell Edwards, a second-year HSBS student, said. "After an intensive two-year study, Harding offers students a four year-degree. Most schools don't offer a degree, they just give you a certificate of completion." A degree was just one of the reasons Edwards chose Harding as his school for biblical studies. "I came in contact with Harding through a friend at church," Edwards said. "Her daughter went to undergraduate school here and brought some literature to church. I was ... going to enroll as an undergraduate and just take Bible classes. But Mr. [MorrisJSeawel [assist~nt director of admissions] thought 1would be better in HSBS because of my responsibilities and the fact that I needed to hurry up and get the degree." Some of Edwards' responsibilities included family and part-time jobs. "I came from Louisiana with four children and an incredible wife who stays home with the children while I am at school," Edwards said. "1 also work at the White County Detention Center as well as preach at various congregations in Arkansas that do not have a full-time minister." Edwards kept busy but knew it was for a good cause. "I used to live in California," he said. "My wife and I and some other men are working on trying to do some church planting there when I finish in July." Paul Crites, a first-year HSBS student, previousty worked for the government, but said he was not content. "The only time I was truly happy was in service, when I was serving the Lord rather than continuing to serve the world," Crites said. Crites said he joined the HSBS program to become prepared for mission work. "I came to Harding to get equipped - all day every day Bible study," he said. "I could have gone anywhere to learn the Bible, but Harding has some of the best ministry resources. Here we have [Dr.] Neale Pryor, [distinguished professor of Bible], [Dr.] Monte Cox, [assistant professor of Bible], and so many more amazing men who can teach students first-hand about missions." HSBS student Benjamin Okai, who came from Ghana, Africa, said he was preaching in Italy when he first heard about Harding. "When I was in Italy 1met some students from Harding who were on an international campaign," ()kai said. "After speaking to them, 1knew 1wanted to come here." After Okai graduated, he planned to remain at Harding and enroll in the physician's assistant program because he wanted to do medical missions in Africa. "I don't want to just preach," Okai said. "When Jesus Christ walked on this earth he fed the poor and healed the sick. I want to do the same thing, I will render services to the community, and then they can receive that and Jesus Christ." Okai said he wanted to challenge youth to step up and become ministers. "The church today is in dire need of preachers [and] ministers," Okai said. "I would like to encourage the youth to consider ministry. There is always a mission field whether it be in a factory, gas station or across the street at a grocery store. There is always an opportunity for service to God." -STEFANIE SHEA 151 - FACULTY
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