How was my life transformed by GRTS? My transformation began when I lost my mother to cancer and another lady attempted to take her place. It continued when I left home and lived with my pastor while working in a furniture factory. My transformation was spurred when I was called to active duty in the Navy and had to live with 90 other men.  I survived that and came home to try to put my life back together, only to be led to Grand Rapids and having it taken away from me again. 

Being four years older than most first-year students, I had my challenges. I never had to sleep on the floor in any of the places I had lived before, but upon arrival I was directed to a dorm above a drug store where I slept on the floor until beds could be purchased. While there, I had to purchase almost a whole new wardrobe to replace most of the clothes I had purchased upon getting out of the Navy.  I had a King James Bible and had read it some, but had not studied it.  At that point, I did not know the area nor did I have a job, and it was not long until I began to question my salvation due to being saturated with GARB.  I called my pastor from Zeeland to come and explain it to me.

I found most of my professors to be well educated in their subject, but some were lacking in teaching abilities.  Some did it by dictation, requiring students to learn shorthand which had to be transcribed later. Some used books that they knew from cover to cover, having taught the subject for several years.  Needless to say I flunked my first semester; the transformation was still taking place.  I was elected to the student counsel and was the president of the South American prayer band. During my last year, I worked on the yearbook staff as business agent and photographer. The Lord also led me to a lovely lady who, two years later, became my wife. I graduated in 1959 with a diploma and took a pastorate.  I met some great individuals and they helped in the transformation.  As I think of my favorite professors, I think of Joe Balbach, Dr. Quencer and Dr. Pardee.

I sometimes feel that I could have been better prepared if I could have worked in a church under a pastor, board, and membership that was approved by the school.  I had been instructed to just trust the Lord and He would lead and take care of me.  That is absolutely true; however, better preparation for the pastorate would have helped me greatly.