God Provided!

Graduates at Welch College share excerpts from their senior testimonies...

I truly can’t believe I am writing these words. I am absolutely heartbroken that my time as a student on the Welch campus is over. It’s really difficult to put the last four years into words, but I will try. What follows is my senior testimony. Since I won’t get to share it with my college family, I will share it with you:

The past four years at Welch have all been different—different friends, different classes, and different circumstances. However, when I began to think of constants, God’s provision was the first thing that came to mind. So, I am going to share some of the times when He provided for me.

I decided to go to Welch when I was 16. This decision came with a great deal of uncertainty, but one thing was certain: I couldn’t afford it. During the two years before graduating high school, my parents and I went back and forth trying to figure out if we could make it work, or if it was even worth it. I had an overwhelming peace Welch was where the Lord wanted me, and I remember begging God to give my parents the same peace. Many long, teary-eyed conversations left me questioning why God called me somewhere I couldn’t go. Eventually, things started to turn around. My parents realized I was serious about my decision and got on board. Finances began to fall into place. God provided.

As the first in my family to go to Welch, I didn’t know many people. I remember being terrified on move-in day my freshman year when I arrived early because of volleyball. I knew no one on the first day. Again, I questioned my decision. I don’t know if I’ve ever cried as hard as the day my parents left me in Nashville (until today). But again, I was silly to doubt God. I immediately made friends with the entire volleyball team, all of whom I still call friends to this day. God provided.

After two roommates my freshman year, I found myself looking for a new roommate my sophomore year. I was stressed, because I really wanted to have the same roommate for the remainder of my time at Welch. I had no clue what I was going to do until Jacklyn Grizzle and I became friends. I still remember the day we decided to be roommates. I didn’t know what an impact that would have on me. Jacklyn has become my best friend, my rock, and has been there for me through all of the craziness of the last three years. God provided.

My junior year brought more hardships than I expected. I found myself confused and sad. I felt as though nothing was going right. My sister got sick, and I wanted to be home with her and my family, but I needed to be at Welch. The faculty, staff, and students were there for me through the entire process and prayed constantly for my family. You don’t find that at other schools. My sister is now healthy and doing great! God provided.

I’ve spent the last three summers working at many church camps as a Welch rep. When I applied for the job my freshman year, I remember thinking there was no way they would hire me because I was so young. Thankfully, they took a chance, and I got the job. If you know me, you know this was my greatest joy as a student. I loved that job! Not only did it supply steady income for tuition, it changed my life in ways I never could have imagined. God provided.

I was able to play volleyball for Welch all four years. Before I decided to go to Welch, I planned on staying local and playing volleyball for a school in Illinois. Until God intervened, volleyball was really my only priority when looking for a college. I am so glad He intervened. Each season came with its own battles, but each season made me a stronger player and person. So many favorite memories at Welch are from playing volleyball. I am thankful I didn’t have to give up the sport of volleyball, because it means so much to me. God provided.

It has been wonderful getting to know the faculty and staff. I don’t think they realize how much they mean to me and the other students. They have been kind and willing to mentor students. I was so excited to be in a place with so many people to look up to. I certainly found that at Welch. I wish I could thank each one of them individually, but I especially want to thank those who took extra time to pour themselves into my life. You know who you are! God provided.

Last, but certainly not least, I could not be more grateful for the friendships I made at Welch. I can’t even begin to express how much I love my friends. I went to Welch because I wanted to be surrounded by likeminded people who would love and encourage me in day-to-day life. I didn’t realize how many people would have an impact on me. You were the best “student section” a volleyball player could ask for, the most fun teammates at sand volleyball, and the most encouraging friends I’ve ever known. Again, I wish I could thank everyone individually, but that would take months! I love you all and will miss you guys so much, but I am grateful for the time we’ve shared together. God provided.

I know every student is sad that we will not return to campus this semester, but I ask that you specifically keep the seniors in your prayers. This has been a very difficult time for all of us. We didn’t even know we were experiencing our “lasts” until they were already gone. Even though this news hurts deeply, I have complete faith that a year from now we will look back and say, “God provided.”

Thank you, Welch College, for everything. —Emma Guthrie

The last four years of my life have been absolutely God-sent. God called me to Welch College in 2016, and I have loved every minute. I had planned out every step of the way leading up to graduation. I intended to spend my last semester and summer on Rejoice Ministry Team surrounded by all the people God has placed in my life, and it was going to be great. Little did I know, God had other plans.

When it was announced Welch College students would finish the Spring semester at home, it came less as a shock and more as a blow to our hopes of returning. This is not ideal, but it was necessary. Please pray for your college students, especially the seniors, whose plans absolutely were wrecked. We need support. But I also understand we are here for such a time as this:

For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? (Esther 4:14) —Matthew Stone