Dianna Graham's story

The Bible says God will give you the desires of heart. I desired to attend AMBS. When I was about twenty-five or thirty years old I inquired about attending AMBS, but I was not prepared at that time to register. I continued with my life and I never gave it another thought.

At age forty-seven, I wanted a better job and I knew that I needed to further my education to get one. I knew that it was not too late for my dream of receiving my high school diploma to come true. I returned to high school, graduated four years later and was able to quit working in factories and became a Certified Nursing Assistant. I thought God had fulfilled my dream, but he was not finished with me yet. I still wanted more out of life, so I returned to college believing higher education would help me find out what more was out there.

At fifty-one, I began attending Bethel College in Mishawaka, and eight years later I received my Bachelor of Arts in Bible and ministry. At that point, I rejoiced because I had prayed to go to college but never gave it much thought after quitting high school. Glad to be finished and tired of school, I discerned God saying, “Go to seminary.” What?

So at age fifty-nine I returned to AMBS, prepared to register and begin a long awaited journey. Maybe I took the scenic route to get here, but I made it by the grace of God. Attending seminary was a hidden desire of my heart that I thought would never come to fruition, but God will give you the desires of your heart if you delight yourself in him. My dream was delayed, but not denied.

Why AMBS? Because I love God and enjoy studying the Word of God. I yearn to know what mysteries it holds. Before I attempt to lead others, I desire to have the correct understanding of the Word because I never want to lead anyone astray. Learning more about God’s Word will help me to serve him better and teach others to apply the Word of God to their lives.

I also believe that if we live long enough life will correct itself, and if I remain open to the move of the Holy Spirit, my past hurts, fears and shame will correct themselves. Marlene Kropf has said that “God is not against us. God is not neutral, but God is for us.” Also, the Bible says, “All things work for our good if we love the Lord,” and I love him with all of my being.

My life’s journey has led me back to AMBS at this time. This is his will for my life. I do not know all the reasons yet, but I trust him to lead me through even the darkest places in life. He will give me enough light to step and as I see the light I will walk therein. God alone controls my life and has allowed it to unfold according to his will.

One thing I know for sure is that you are never too old and it is never too late for your God-given dreams to come to fruition in your life. The Bible says: God will give you the desires of your heart if you delight yourself in him, and I am a living witness!

Dianna Graham is a student in the Christian spirituality concentration of the Master of Arts in Christian Formation program. She and Willie Graham, her husband, live in Elkhart. She is a member of New Light of Hope, Church of God in Christ.