by Josh Liu

I want to highlight the LBCSD members in College Life that are graduating this academic year. This is an opportunity to testify to God’s work in their lives. There is so much to be said about each student’s experience and encouragement to the church family that cannot be captured in this brief note. Yet I hope it encourages you and moves you toward glorifying God. Please take a moment to pray for them and look for opportunities to encourage them as they transition out of college.

ABE, BA, Sociology

It has truly been a joy to be part of College Life for the past three years. I am beyond thankful for the faithful preaching of God’s Word. Coming into College Life unsure of the gospel truth, the weekly hearing of the truth helped me to come to a biblical understanding of the gospel. God used it to rescue me from my sin and my self-righteousness. Even more so, God used the faithful teaching to conform me into the image of Christ. Shepherds, small group leaders, and peers have been so gracious to show me the Word, to help me put off the ways of sin, and to instead pursue holiness. Praise God for the work he has done in my heart through the Word! I am also exceedingly thankful for the Christ-centered relationships I was able to develop. We were able to eat carne asada fries together, to rejoice and weep together, and to pursue Christ together. It has always been such a blessing to serve alongside one another in campus EV, prayer, and class events. All of those are sweet memories that I will cherish as college wraps up. Again, I praise God for graciously granting me these relationships where we can strive side by side for the faith of the gospel. I will certainly miss College Life, as it has made a significant impact on my life. And for that, praise Him forevermore!

ALYSSA, BS, Child and Family Development

My time at Lighthouse has been nothing less than sanctifying and encouraging. I just wanted to say thank you to those who took the time to get to know me and invest in my life, for ministering and encouraging me to cultivate a deeper relationship with God and for pointing me back to Him when I lost sight of His loving kindness. I pray that this church body will continue to grow in their servant heartedness, welcoming and loving attitudes to all those who walk come through its doors, and give Him the glory and praise always. It’s been an amazing 4 years and I’m excited to see what more He’s got in store for LBC!

ANISHA, BS, Kinesiology

Hi church, praise God for leading me to Lighthouse Bible Church! God has softened my heart over the years and I have learned to call LBC my home. I am grateful for the community, teaching, love, and the bond that we all have in Christ. God has been working in my life and growing me in various ways. He is constantly reminding me of what it means to truly follow Christ and to cultivate a life full of prayer, thankfulness, and teachability. Thank you for taking me in, encouraging me, and loving on me!

CAVAN, BS, Business Administration

I just want to thank Lighthouse and the church family for creating such a loving and fun environment where I could grow with all of you. Genuinely appreciate the care and Christlike love this church body provides and will forever be grateful. Lighthouse has shown me what it’s like to be involved with the church body and serving one another whether it’s having one on one’s, hangouts/fellowshipping or serving in a ministry. “But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body but that the members may have the same care for one another.” (1 Corinthians 12:24-25).

DANIELLE, BS, Molecular Biology

I honestly could not describe all that Lighthouse and specifically the people in College Life have encouraged me. When I first came to San Diego as a freshman I didn’t know anyone and was afraid of how college would change me. I am so thankful to say that my experiences in college have indeed changed me, but all for the better as the church challenged me to grow in grace and maturity. Through all the joys and pains of life these past few years, my mentors and peers in College Life were right there beside me to serve, encourage, and rebuke me as necessary for my sanctification. I love each and every one of my faithful brothers and sisters at Lighthouse more than I could possibly express, and I pray that we will continue to grow alongside one another as in Colossians 3:12-17.

HANNAH, BS, Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Hi Church! As I reflect on the past few years, I want to express my gratitude, love, and encouragement for you and for the ways God has used you mightily in my life. When I first attended Lighthouse, I remember being blown away by the love this church had for Christ. I met people who listened to sermons in their spare time– people who wanted to listen to sermons in their spare time. And I met parents whose love for God had grown over the years, and not faded, parents who shared the gospel with their children and were still active in the life of the church. I remember the church’s exclamations of joy and excitement when newly engaged and expecting couples were announced, and being amazed that everyone in the church seemed to know these couples and even care for them. I remember thinking that the sweet relationship between the Lighthouse Alliance so reflected the love between churches in the New Testament in a way I believed was no longer possible. And love for God overflowed into a love for others, of which I was an undeserving recipient. Throughout the years, the faithful preaching of God’s Word every week has pierced, convicted, challenged, and changed my heart. It has revealed to me all the areas of my life that I fail to submit to my King, the Creator of all things, the Righteous Judge, and the merciful Father who demands my everything. It reminds me of how small I am in light of who He is, and how my sin is ever before Him. It has encouraged me to live with conduct becoming of one redeemed, and to make the gospel the center of my pursuits. Your love, Church, has been an instrument that God has used mightily in my life. It has been a continual reminder of God’s grace to me, that He would even provide brothers and sisters who would strive alongside me. It is my hope that this brief description of how God has used this ministry and this church in my life would stimulate all of you to persevere, renew faith that God can use broken tools powerfully, and stir you to cling even tighter to Him amidst trials, knowing that He is the greatest treasure worth living for and that He walks with you. And I encourage you not to lose your first love, your love for Christ, “for from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” (Romans 11:36).

JARON, BA, Political Science

Hey church family! These last four years have by far been the best four years of my life. I had never before been so challenged and so cared for spiritually, and I have no one to thank but God who has used you to teach me so much. Thank you for constantly displaying Christ’s love in spirit and truth and for teaching me to love others in a way that is only possible through Him. Though my time in College Life and college in general is over, I am reminded that the mission is the same even though life may look a lot different and that God will remain faithful through it all. I love you all so much and words cannot express my gratitude.

JESSICA, BS, Microbiology

I’ve been encouraged by the people in the various classes in CL by their desire to glorify God and point back to Christ in all they do and make sure every hangout isn’t just for the sake of having a good time. I’ve been constantly challenged to be pushed out of my comfort zone in a good way, be it hanging out with people literally all day, meeting with people I don’t know well, addressing housing issues, and confronting the hard questions in small group. Throughout it all, God has really used my time in college to teach me to trust in Him, that He is in control in every situation. Trials really are to be considered as not curses, but as His way of bringing us closer to Him and so we can depend on Him more with each passing day.

JOE, BS, Chemical Engineering

I am happy to have spent my undergrad years at such a strong, Bible teaching church. I have been encouraged by how much people are willing to serve one another and build each other up whether that be through church ministries, small groups, or one on one meetups. I personally felt Lighthouse most affected my spiritual growth in the area of evangelism, especially through the ministry of campus EV. Throughout my time here, I have noticed an increase in boldness for sharing the gospel, love for lost souls, and wisdom in the field of apologetics. These are things that I hope and believe will remain with me in the years to come.

KAREN, BS, Developmental Psychology; Minor, Biology

Hi Church! Words cannot describe how grateful I am for the past 4 years I spent with you all. I came in just wanting a solid church, and got not only a church that is dedicated to preaching the truth, but that is also so loving, intentional, and passionate to seek Christ in everything you do. Thank you for investing in, loving on, and spurring on my class and me as we pursued wisdom, humility, and maturity in our walks. I praise God for graciously giving me a church that always challenges me to continue growing in my faith and to preach the Gospel in whatever I do. I’m truly undeserving of you all and ever thankful that God placed me in San Diego! I can’t wait to see what God has planned in this next chapter of my life, and am so happy that I will still be able to run the race alongside y’all here for at least a little while longer!

KENNY, BS, Computer Science

It has truly been a blessing being able to be a part of the Lighthouse Bible Church San Diego church family, as I have been able to learn and grow under the teaching of faithful pastors and elders who hold a high view of the word. I am grateful for those who have faithfully and selflessly poured out their love and wisdom to the church during my time here, as it has been fundamental to my spiritual growth. In particular, I would like to thank the College Life staff who have led the collegians in Christ-likeness and encouraged and counseled us to seek to glorify God through all of our actions. Although my time in San Diego is quickly coming to an end, I will continue to pray that this church continues to seek to bring glory to Christ, and hold fast to the M.V.P. Statement.

MAGGIE, BA, Computer Science

Lighthouse has been a tremendous part of my personal walk with Christ during my college years. I have made many unforgettable experiences and have met so many amazing brothers and sisters. But most importantly, I have grown in knowledge and understanding of the love that is demonstrated through the Gospel. Christ’s love clearly shines through the genuine care the leaders and staff of College Life have for us collegians.

MEGAN, BS, Cognitive Science

Hi Church, it has been such a blessing to be able to attend Lighthouse Bible Church throughout my college years. I have learned so much and grown more in love with Christ here. Thank you Lighthouse for being dedicated to exemplifying God’s love for us through teaching, fellowship, and serving. I am very thankful for the College Life ministry and all the staff who poured out their time and love to invest in us. I am also thankful for all my brothers and sisters who have come alongside me and kept me accountable in this race. Thank you for pushing me to continually strive to grow in Christ-likeness. It has been an encouragement to see how God has been growing Lighthouse and I pray that He would continue to do so. Let’s keep striving to push one another to glorify God in all that we do!

NATHAN, BA, Urban Studies and Planning

I came to Lighthouse in Fall 2016 from recommendation from friends and family for a Church down here in San Diego and I’ve been immensely blessed in my couple years here in College Life. The biggest thing I’ve learned that has stayed in my time in College Life and College is taking God at his word in every step. That scripture is sufficient, has no errors and it is God speaking to us with every sentence and page. In so many different conversations, I’ve been directed back to the word of God and his sovereignty amidst my own shortcoming and need for growth. I can’t forget my first Friday night Bible Study where Josh preached on the Cross of Christ and as he had us open our Bibles, I knew this is the Church I wanted to stay at. My hope going forward from here for us both is to continually be guided by the scriptures and to be so anchored in our Lord for the days to come, however hard the storms may come.

NICK, BA, Communication

Thank you LBCSD for all the memories, teachings and encouragements! I have been blessed and enriched by the biblical teaching of our pastors, the servant hearts of the College Life ministry and the fellowship of so many like-minded people who share a passion for proclaiming and living out the Gospel. I’m so thankful for the intentionality and outpouring of love that I have felt throughout my college experience. I know God will continue to do amazing things through this church as he builds up disciples of Christ! Thank you to everyone who has advised, encouraged and even challenged me to live out my faith! You have all played a big role in my spiritual walk! I will cherish the numerous memories with College Life, praise team, retreats and countless hours of awesome fellowship! Thank you for all the amazing experiences and I pray you will all continue to grow in your spiritual walks!

NOAH, BS, General Biology

I have been so blessed with my time at LBC within the college life ministry. The community at Lighthouse has always gone out of its way to make me feel welcome and I have really appreciated their desire to seek and preach the truth of the gospel. It’s been a lot of fun getting to know people through random events at Lighthouse and I hope that the church will continue to reach out to others who come by LBC.

RENDALE, BS, Engineering Physics

Hello church family! These past 4 years have been the best in my life. Through this ministry I was able to come to saving faith. Through this ministry I’ve come to know what a loving church looks like. Through this ministry I’ve learned how to accurately handle the word of God and how important that is. Through this ministry I’ve learned what it really means to have the older men/women disciple the younger men/women. It was by God’s grace alone that I would be placed in San Diego for college, and by your faithfulness of proclaiming the gospel that even brought me to this church in the first place. Thank you for these years and may you continue to be a shining lighthouse of God’s truth in this dark world!

TIFFANY, BS, Child and Family Development

Hello church! I have been truly blessed by all the ways you guys have sought to encourage, serve, and shepherd me during the past four years of college. I have grown and matured so much in my faith through the strong teaching of God’s word and accountability from the members of the church. I want to thank the pastors and leaders of the church for their faithfulness in preaching and living out the gospel daily. I have been so encouraged by your genuineness and desire in seeking to love and care for one another. Thank you for pointing me back to Christ when I fall short and showing me the love and care that I do not deserve. Continue to live a life that exemplifies Christ and show Christlike love to those around you. I am excited to continue to grow and serve alongside you all this coming year as I will be sticking around San Diego for at least another year! Let’s continue to run this race together for the Glory of God!

TIMOTHY, BS, Biochemistry and Cell Biology

I thank God greatly for His grace and providence in bringing me to this church. It has been nearly three years since I first visited LBC on September 27, 2015 as a freshman in college. Back then I was unsaved and utterly lost in my sins. It is no surprise that I came out that Sunday morning not out of a love for God and a desire to worship Him, but out of a self-righteous habit of attending church service.

Ever since then, God has worked wondrously in my life through the church. Not only did He save me through the gospel, but He has been molding me into the image of Christ in several ways. First, He has regularly nourished me with the Word preached by the elders and leaders at LBC. Their faithful exposition of the Bible has caused me to mature spiritually and to more wholly fix my hope and trust upon Christ and His promises. Second, I am constantly encouraged and at the same time humbled by the Christ-likeness I see exhibited, especially in your self-sacrificial love for one another. As I have come to spend time with you, I cannot measure the amount of time, love and encouragement you have given me and other brothers and sisters. Your love, in turn, reminds me of His ultimate love for us on the cross, and spurs me to more fully obey 1 Peter 4:8 – “Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.” Third, I am so thankful how the church has equipped me to live a more faithful Christian life, not only through the preached Word, but also through exposing me to the wealth of Christian literature. I am particularly grateful for having been shown how to pursue the Christian disciplines based on what Paul says: “[D]iscipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:7-8, NASB).

I have been blessed in so many other ways than those listed above. As He is the giver of all such grace, I praise Him and give Him thanks for what He has done and promises to do, not only in my own life, but in your lives as well. May we never grow complacent but say with Paul , “Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14, NASB).

VICTOR, BS, Computer Science

Hello church family! I’m so thankful and blessed to have been able to attend Lighthouse during these past 3 years of college, and have been encouraged by the love that everyone shows towards each other in their desire to exemplify Christ. I’m grateful for the dedication of scripture-based teaching, and have been constantly challenged through the weekly sermons at College Life as well as Sunday service. I’m glad and excited to be around at least one more year, and am thankful to be part of the church body here in San Diego.