Turning off cruise control to grow closer to God
October 31, 2023
During her freshman year at Columbia International University, Jenea Bradshaw realized she had allowed her personal walk with the Lord “to go on cruise control” and was not actively growing closer to God. But once on campus, things changed.
“Coming here and being surrounded by students and professors who are so passionate about going deep daily into their relationships with God, inspired and challenged me to take my walk more seriously,” said Bradshaw, a Media Arts and Bible major from Sumter, South Carolina. “I wanted a closeness for myself that was between me and the Lord. Together with the people and the Bible classes, I have increased my understanding and have been equipped with the skills I need to delve deeper into the Word of God on my own.”
Bradshaw says recently-retired Communication professor Dr. Dan Delozier was one of the most influential professors in her academic and spiritual life because he brought passion and enthusiasm to every class he taught.
“It did not matter what the subject of the course material was, Dr. Dan would find a way to point back to principles taught in Scripture and inquire how we could incorporate it into our daily lives, either personally or in the professional world,” Bradshaw said. “I remind myself daily of something he often said in class, ‘Christians are not supposed to compare or compete with one another, but to celebrate one another. The moment we try to compare or compete, especially in our relationships with Jesus, we give the devil a victory.’”
As Bradshaw looks ahead to a career in communications, she is also looking back at the impact CIU has made on her life.
“I am grateful for the time I have spent, the people I have met, and the memories I have created here. I will carry them with me for the rest of my life.”
A spring 2023 student satisfaction survey identified CIU's top strength as "My relationship with God has been strengthened" as the factor most important to CIU students.
CIU is celebrating 100 years of its mission to “educate people from a biblical worldview to impact the nations with the message of Christ.” The university consistently ranks among the Top Regional Universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report, as well as a Best Value Regional University in the South. Apply now or request information on enrollment by contacting Admissions at (803) 807-5024 or admissions@ciu.edu.