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by Nicholas Mark Kusmich, Jr.

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Selecting my post-secondary education came as a very difficult task to me. I just came fresh out of high school, and knew I was called into full-time ministry, yet didn’t know where to go to get trained. So many people have so many opinions as to what to do and where to go that it all got me confused, but confusion is usually one’s first step to revelation.

Though my story is very personal and individualized to myself and how God dealt with me and led me to where I am today, I believe what I have learned can help others so they don’t have to go through the same difficult process that I did.

CLU is different. It is on the cutting edge of what God is doing in His training of end-time workers.

I remember my first class at CLU. At that point I had been enrolled in CLU as well as another traditional Bible College/Seminary in the area. After my CLU class I was to go to my other class and I was going to study at both schools on a part-time basis.

In my very first class at CLU, God spoke to me loud and clear through what was being taught. He showed me what Bible school was really all about; how it was not so much a school of the mind, but a school of the heart. By the end of the class I knew what I was to do. I felt led of the Lord that I should go to my other institution and let them know I would no longer be studying there with them, and then to study full-time at CLU. I have never looked back since.

Even the first class changed my life. I felt that not only was my mind being expanded by the truths of God’s Word, but my heart and spirit were also growing. This was a school of the Spirit and was changing me with every class.

The great thing that I had realized was that each class and each lesson was 100% applicable and practical. As a youth pastor I was able to take everything I had learned and then re-teach it. I saw many of my young people’s lives changed. I remember in particular one time, where I taught about one of the classes called the Father Heart of God. That night during our service several people got saved and many, many others ministered to by the power of His Spirit. It was amazing to see so many lives touched and changed. There are testimonies coming out from my ministry every single week about how the truths that I have learned and then re-taught have dramatically changed the lives of many of the young people.

Furthermore, my life has been changed as a result of the practicability of the courses. I am a very hands-on, application type of person, and like to apply what I learn right away. At the close of each of my courses I am able to apply everything I have learned and see a change in my life. It is absolutely amazing to be able to see every area of your life change as a result of what you are learning.

Part of what I appreciate is that CLU can be custom-designed to fit my needs and me. I work in the ministry here in the Toronto area, and felt called to stay here and not leave my family, my ministry nor my city. I have a busy schedule with plenty of things on my plate, but CLU allows me to stay in the will of God for my life during this season, and yet still pursue my education. This has been one of the greatest aspects of what I am doing.

One thing that I will always remember is that at CLU I am treated as more than just a student but a person and a disciple. I really feel Dr. Virkler and the staff take a keen interest in me, my development and my ministry. Mark has been such a blessing to me and I can honestly write and say that I would not be who I am, if it wasn’t for him, his ministry and CLU.

When people ask me about my studies and my education, all I can do is smile and say “I totally love every moment of it.” Every day is a new adventure, and I look forward to what’s in store every time I continue in a course. The truths are fresh and life-giving, and my life is being impacted every day.

I remember how I took a class in a well-recognized seminary. The experience taught me several things. I learned that seminary-level courses in some Christian academic institutions are very irrelevant.

Choosing where you will be trained, discipled and educated is a very important decision. We are called to be good stewards of our time, resources and finances, and really are called to only do things that will help lead us towards what God has called us to do.

I have tasted a bit of both worlds when it comes to traditional Bible colleges and CLU, and have learned much from the experience. I can go on into many specific details in comparing the two, but when it really comes down to it, you need to follow your heart. CLU has changed my life, and it will change yours too, but like in anything, what you put into something is what you’ll get back from it.

Usually, you get one end of the spectrum or another when it comes to Christian university education: an irrelevant, expensive institution that grants degrees; or an anointed, Bible-teaching, life-changing institution that does not grant degrees. The great thing with CLU is that not only will you be trained in the field of your calling, but you will be earning a fully accredited university degree. You get the best of both worlds with CLU…an anointed, life-changing, relevant learning experience, and an academic university degree that you can apply to your field. What more can you ask for?

Make the right choice.