Jeremy Shue's story

How is it that God can be so clear at times and so vague at others? During my years as a youth minister I thoroughly enjoyed ministry. And when God opened the doors into the business world I followed and enjoyed my work in the business world.

In the beginning of 2008, God again seemed to be moving. Three different people, disconnected from one another, all contacted me within a week encouraging me either to consider pastoring or enrolling in seminary. Why would God be nudging me now? I had been at my job for not even a year and really enjoyed it. After discussing and praying about the issue with my wife, we decided to put out a fleece: I would apply for one of the scholarships that AMBS offers. If I was awarded the scholarship, I would attend seminary. If I did not receive the scholarship I would stay at my job.

After waiting several weeks, I finally received the letter in the mail. I skimmed the first paragraph and came across the words “we regret to inform you.” Finally the decision had been made. But there were several more paragraphs following the first. Continuing on, the letter informed me that even though I was not selected for the scholarship I had applied for, AMBS had awarded me a different scholarship. What was I to do? Why would God be so vague in such a big decision?

After debating how to resolve the issue, I decided to ask my boss what I should do. Over lunch we discussed it. He agreed that the scholarship sounded like a good opportunity and we decided that I would be able to keep my job on a part-time basis. This was actually going to be the best of both worlds. Classes started September 5, but by the third week of September I was without a job; the economic collapse was taking its toll. Even if I had decided not to attend AMBS, I would have still been making a change in my life. And in looking back it is crystal clear that AMBS is exactly where I am supposed to be.

While it is crystal clear that I am supposed to be here, it is still vague where I will be when I am finished. My experience at AMBS has been wonderful. This experience has been defined by the community that I have found at AMBS. Many of the students are in positions similar to mine and are very eager to help each other discern God’s call. The faculty and staff develop relationships with the students and are willing to share from their own experiences. Overall, I know that AMBS is the right place for me to be as I continue to discern God’s call in my life.

Jeremy Shue is a student in the mission and evangelism concentration of the Master of Divinity program. Originally from Harper, Kan., He and Laura, his wife, were pastors of Kidron Mennonite Church in Kidron, Ohio, before moving to Indiana.