Prepare for Ministry On and Off the Field

Transcript

Evangel students are often involved in pursuing many different interests simultaneously, and you won’t find a better example than Yaya. Yaya studies theater and youth ministry, plays on the nationally ranked Valor Football Team, and performs in EU Soul-Out musicals and award-winning student film. In each of these areas, he adds to the excellence you’ll find in every corner of Evangels campus. Take it away, Yaya.

– Thanks Alex. I was apprehensive about attending Evangel University coming from California and Texas. I wasn’t sure if Missouri was the place for me. I tried to make excuses, but they didn’t hold up to the things I needed: football, a theater, and film department, a theology program, and the opportunity for me to go closer to the Lord. Evangel has been instrumental in my growth as a student and as a person, balancing work, football, theater performances, and class has always been a struggle, but professors at Evangel want their students to be successful and have helped me succeed. Football has given me discipline while theater and youth ministry studies have given me a deeper understanding on the things I want to do for my future. I’m being developed into a better minister and leader because I’ve been able to interact with a diverse group of individuals in a way that is personal to each one of them. I’ve learned that God forms your path in a way that’s not structured or formulaic, but with an artistic flare that most people could never envision. As an athlete, artist, and aspiring youth pastor, I know this better than just about anyone. God has given me some assignments that not many would expect to overlap, but I’ve been able to see his beautiful and brilliant strategy in guiding me to who he wants me to become. I’m thankful for what Evangel has done for me as a student, and most importantly, as a man. As I continue in my studies, I recognize it is my job to follow and understand God, because as much as I want to do it on my own, the power doesn’t reside in me, but in Him, that’s my story. Back to you, Alex.

– That’s incredible Yaya with one national and 26 conference championships, 35 All-America, over a hundred all-conference selections, and 16 Coach of the Year honors, Valor Athletics has earned its distinction as an NAIA Gold Five-Star university. Evangel makes it possible for students to be athletes, artists, scholars, and world changers all at once. Evangel is known across the country for its vibrant community life, both on and off campus.