I am a layman, from Dundalk, Ireland and I attend the local Baptist church. I came to know Christ in my early 40’s, and I was baptized in 2016. I had an unbelievable thirst for the knowledge of Christ and needed to understand this new faith I was experiencing that had changed my core beliefs. I was reading and absorbing Christian texts at an alarming pace, starting with biblical commentaries. I desperately wanted a structured approach to study and the understanding of theology. Even Christian phraseology of “faith, hope, love, grace, mercy” all had different meaning to the secular words I previously knew. I looked at local universities, even some very famous establishments, but the content of the courses was shallow and carried no theological depth. Fortunately, thanks to my Pastors Michael and Stephen, I got an opportunity to talk with Dr. Bob Gonzales and RBS.

I selected RBS’s marrow program with a major in Church history to learn the historical and theological foundation of what the church is, its many recorded falls and why? At the start of my marrow journey, I learned to write academically, testing the patience of poor Dr. Gonzales and my pastors, who were forced to read those earlier grammar and spelling ridden papers. Stephen Murphy sat and proctored the many midterm and final exams. I do thank him for his diligence in this matter.

Post the marrow and reflecting on it, I see that, whether in ancient Greek or in Hebrew modules, or early church to medieval church, one can do nothing but acknowledge the signposts that lead Christians to the majesty of Christ and the cross. If I was to highlight one of the many memorable moments of the last 3 years, it would be the history of the church. The pages turned themselves as I engaged in the various texts and had conversations through their words with men of God from yesteryears.

I would like to give thanks to the Lord for this opportunity, which He has greatly blessed me with, particularly with the RBS lecturers who made this marrow program both enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. These men of perseverance made the courses and words come to life. I would like to give particular thanks to Dr. Michael Haykin, Dr. Bob Gonzales, Michael Emadi.

A final and special thanks to my wife and daughter for their unfailing support, and I ask for prayer as I continue to study with RBS and my journey into the Batchelors Divinity program.

Leslie Slye