"I was raised and confirmed in the church. And when that was done, I said to myself, I am now a (young!) adult Christian. I know the facts the church taught me; now I have to live up to the expectations of my church. That was all I knew or expected, and I thought it was all God expected of me. But then I had two profound spiritual experiences that transformed all that had come before. The first was in high school. It taught me that Jesus calls me, not to a religion, nor even just to a faith, but to a personal, intimate relationship for eternity! The second, through the Navigator ministry at my college, showed me how to prioritize and cultivate that relationship: through devotion to the Scriptures, prayer, fellowship, witness, and service. The picture is of the students who went through a summer Navigator Training Program at the University of Minnesota in 1977. I'm in the back row, in the yellow shirt. The fellow student who discipled me through all this is immediately to my left, with the tousled black hair and rakish mustache - Tom Eickhoff. A young man of deep faith, humble attitude, goofy humor, and practical spiritual insights. And 55+ years later, I still aspire to those things (I'm furthest along on the goofy humor). But how much better if I had gained those insights from my church when I was still a boy! That's what EGM is committed to, and what I am a part of through EGM: Transforming Children in Christ through His Church. Will you join us?" ~Jim Gustafson, Former EGM Board Member
"Growing up in Romania under communism, faith was not easy—it was a journey marked by persecution and sacrifice. We were made fun of for loving Jesus and going to church, but it was in that very struggle that a powerful foundation was laid. My Sunday school teacher, Luci Tinco was the one who tirelessly nurtured that foundation, her influence becoming a beacon of light in my life. She encouraged us to memorize verses like Jeremiah 29:11, urging us to trust in God's plan for a hope and a future, even when it seemed impossible. Back then, becoming a teacher felt like an unattainable dream because of the political climate. But her words took root. She didn't just teach us Bible verses; she modeled unwavering faith and showed me what it meant to stay close to God and His Word. When communism collapsed in '89, God opened a door I never thought possible: I was able to attend a Christian college and became a teacher. My Sunday school teacher's impact was not just a passing moment; it was a living example that shaped my own calling. She influenced me to follow in her footsteps, and today, I have the incredible blessing of being a Sunday school teacher myself, sharing the same hope she once gave to me." ~Cami Bruda
"My Story of Faith and Gratitude for Adrián López: I first began my studies at the Biblical Seminary of Faith in 2003, but because of a personal crisis I had to leave in 2004. In 2006, I returned to continue my studies. I had already met Adrián López before, but it was during my formation—especially between 2006 and 2008—that he became one of my professors. During those years, he helped me to understand and love God’s Word in a deeper way. He not only taught me the Scriptures but also taught me how to teach others. His influence was decisive. In 2009, I began teaching at the seminary myself, and from that time until today, Adrián has been both a colleague and a kind of coordinator in our work. Through his teaching and example, I learned so much, not only about the Word of God, but also about relationships with pastors, leaders, and fellow servants. He has always been a reference point for me. He supported me, encouraged my growth, and helped me discover profound treasures in the Word of God that shaped my life. Even today, I continue to enjoy every conversation I have with him. Listening to him, exchanging thoughts on biblical and ministerial matters, and seeing his example of life and ministry continue to inspire me to keep moving forward. I am profoundly grateful to God for placing him in my path all these years, and for every explicit and implicit lesson I have received through his life. The picture you see here was taken in 2013 at a seminary teachers’ retreat, together with other people who have also inspired my faith: my current pastor Ricardo Peralta, my former teacher and now colleague Nora Fleire, and Cristian, once my student and now also a teacher. Each of them, like Adrián, are people of faith who love God’s Word and have sown seeds in their generation. I thank God with all my heart for the privilege of walking this journey alongside them—and especially for the life and ministry of Adrián López." ~Emmanuel Ascencao, EGM Latin America Director
"Lidia, my first Sunday School Teacher: I am among the few people blessed with the chance to hear about Jesus and experience His love from early childhood. I had a loving Christian family and a great children’s leader in Sunday school. Lidia has probably been the most inspirational leader you could have. She traveled 50 miles back and forth every weekend to my home church to teach Sunday school—no car, poor public transportation, and no support from church or anyone. She was always filled with joy, passion, sharing a smile and great encouragement. She came to visit our home, prayed with us and for us, and taught us about Jesus in the classroom and outside the classroom. Lidia was around and kept influencing my life as I grew up. She helped me volunteer in an orphan ministry that opened in Romania in the early 90’s right after dictator Ceausescu’s fall. That was where I taught my first Bible lesson to children. I think about Lidia as a Model Teacher for me, as she had all the qualities EGM strives to develop and see in the heart of thousands of children’s leaders in Europe." ~Daniel Bruda, EGM Europe Director
"My Faith Influencer was Pastor Andy Noch. He spent months with me, shepherding and discipling me. I owe much of my Spiritual foundations to what he taught me and how he fed my soul. The impact I have had in ministry, is in many ways, the fruit of his investment in me." ~Brian Campbell, EGM Director of Operations & Strategy
