Nickela Poitier
Degree: Master of Divinity
Major: Bible Exposition
Hometown: Columbia, SC
Why did you chooseColumbia International University? This may sound cliché, but the Lord ordered my steps. The choice to come to CIU was simply me following the leading of the Lord. Of course, it was not hard to follow His leading because as I researched schools in this area, CIU's commitment to "know Him and make him known" resonated in my heart. After reviewing the intense curriculum, I was confident that this was an institution serious about equipping God's people for ministry. My visit to the campus also helped because I quickly recognized that the people truly had a passion for God and a heart for fellowship.
What has been your favorite class and why? Each semester brings with it a great level of excitement, and there is always a class that I never want to end. My favorite class this semester is Acts-Revelation. This course is designed to lay a foundational study on these NT books, but the course has been so much more. Exploring God's word in this class is not only giving me a better understanding of God's promise being proclaimed in the world, it is also shaping me as a leader in God's kingdom.
What do you like best about CIU? I greatly value the diversity at CIU. The very first class I took here was a Spiritual formation course and at the start of the class we had praise and worship time. I looked around and saw all the various cultures represented, all reverencing the true and living God. This developed within me a greater appreciation for the unity of the body of Christ.
What do you plan to do after graduation from CIU? I believe God ha called me to equip His people... I am depending on God to lead me and reveal His path for my life.
Sarah Bedi - Master of Divinity, Intercultural Studies
Mika Ishino - Master of Arts, General Studies
Nickela Poitier - Master of Divinity, Bible Exposition
Iryna Shturba - Master of Arts, Pastoral Counseling and Spiritual Formation
Dustin Ventura - Master of Arts Teaching, Elementary and Early Childhood Education
Johnny Weldon - Master of Divinity, Intercultural Studies