God-Centered friendships assist in spiritual growth for CIU student

Brandon Lee is a “missionary kid,” who, in his own words, “grew up in a Christian home but did not follow the Lord for much of my life.”

Now things have changed since attending Columbia International University. The junior, and Health Sciences major, calls CIU a spiritual blessing.

“I became friends with people who love and serve God above all else,” Lee said. “This was really impactful and caused me to reconsider what it means to be a Christian. Since being at CIU I have rededicated my life to Christ and have been blessed with spiritual friendship and guidance as I learn how to live a godly life.”

Lee especially enjoys studying the Bible with friends who help him “connect deeply with other people and share our spiritual lives together.”

“People at CIU are eager to study and discuss God’s word, therefore it has been easy to find people who are wanting to develop God-centered friendships while studying the Bible,” Lee said.

Lee adds that the CIU Bible classes are also very beneficial in helping him understand and articulate the contents of the Bible. He notes the impact that Bible Professor Dr. Kevin McWilliams has had on his life, especially McWilliams’ New Testament and Progress of Redemption classes.

“The Progress Class especially helped me to understand how each book of the Bible points to the greater story of Jesus and the redemption of God’s people,” Lee said. “Dr. McWilliams is not only gifted at teaching the Bible, but he is also extremely humble and is clearly following the Lord himself. It was cool to be able to ask him about his experience as a Christian and gain spiritual wisdom from him.”

Lee is on schedule to graduate with a bachelor’s degree from CIU the fall of 2024. There are future plans for marriage and entering a doctoral program in physical therapy.

“My goal is to work as a physical therapist, but beyond that, I do not know what the future holds in store,” Lee said. “I would like to spend my early adult life working in the United States, but I am also interested in doing missions overseas.”

Higher learning. Deeper faith. A Christ-centered community on campus and online. Apply now or request information on enrollment at CIU by contacting Admissions at (803) 807-5024 or admissions@ciu.edu.