Class of 2006 Student Testimonies
Gary Allen Barnes
I didn’t come into a real relationship with Jesus until I was 13. I made this life changing decision at a youth camp. I have lived a different life ever since. I am committed to following Jesus and growing closer to him. I thank him for the knowledge he has given me throughout the years of my home education. I know that God will continue to shape and use me. I am thankful to him for the wonderful parents he has so graciously given me.
Favorite verse:
John 15:13 “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”
Future Plans:
After I graduate I will attend Frederick Community College and from there I am planning on joining the Navy. God is still revealing his plans to me.
Ashley Lauren Black
My dad led me to Jesus when I was five years old while in the bathtub. I have been saved for over half my life, but only in the past three or four years have I begun a close relationship with God. He has become my best friend and the love of my life. I put all my trust and faith in Him. I want to be used by Him in the ministry of the arts, and I’m willing to be His vessel so that His love and glory can shine through me.
Favorite Verse:
Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life I now live in the body I live by faith in the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”
Peter James Cox
I am thankful to the Lord for allowing me to be raised in a family who loves the Lord. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for all the love and time you have given to me my whole life. I would like to thank the Lord for his love and guidance in my life, and for giving me parents that care and understand. I would like to thank my brothers and sisters for their love and support and for all the wonderful times we’ve had together. I also want to thank Nana and Granddad for their love, support, and time invested in me; I love you both very much. Home schooling has given me many more opportunities than if I had been in another school. Home schooling is a way to train children up to be Godly men and women of tomorrow’s America. We are the ones, that with the help of God, can change our Nation as well as the world!
Favorite Verse:
Psalm 1:1-6 “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgement, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knoweth the way of the rightous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.” This has been my favorite verse since I was a young boy. When I first read this verse I saw the benefit of a long life through seeking God’s wisdom.
Future Plans:
I plan to attend the Evangelical Institute of Greenville in the fall.
Ryan Bradley Hall
Seventh grade was the first year I started home schooling. Since that time I have faced many difficulties and challenges. My Dad and Mom have always been there encouraging me by the Word to press on. All of the trails and tribulations have brought our family closer together. God used home schooling as a way for me to grow in the Lord. He has taught me to trust in Him and not go my own way. Also, God has changed my heart for the better. Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” He has changed the way I look at my schooling, from looking at it as a curse to looking at it as a blessing. Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” I thank him for opening my eyes. I thank my Dad, Mom and sister for being there for me when I needed them.
Favorite Verse:
Psalms 27:1 “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
Future Plans:
I plan to attend college and then pursue a career in aviation. Proverbs 16:9 A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.
Desiree Lace Hite
Praise God! My high school years have passed, and though they have been great, I eagerly open this next chapter of my life to see what God has in store. I’ve been home-schooled for the past nine years, and with it God has brought many blessings and trials. I thank God that I’ve had this opportunity.
Mom & Dad- Thanks for keeping me on track, even when I wanted to do other things. Your teaching me at home has always meant a lot to me, especially in these last months. Thanks for always encouraging me, even during my bouts of procrastination. I’m glad that we’ve remained close, thanks for being there for me. Mom, thanks for all the spiritual wisdom that you’ve give me, I’ve grown a lot because of it. You guys have both been great parents, and I praise God for you.
Brian- I’ve missed you living here in these past years! But I’m glad that you live close enough to visit now. Thanks for teaching me all the important things in life, like how to ride a two-wheeler, how to build a tree house, what happens when you lick a 9 volt battery. . . Thanks for making sure that I didn’t grow up to be a wimpy girl! I value our friendship, and I’m so glad that God chose me to be your sister and “Little Buddy”. Love ya always!
Sierra- “That can be our new thing!” Thank you for your friendship, your encouragement, and the laughter that you’ve brought into my life. So many memories! But I think the ones I cherish the most are of our times driving in the car, singing our lungs out- we get a little crazy! (like on the way to FL...) *blushie blushie* Love ya always, Sie-AIR-a No-EL!!
Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 12:9b-10- “My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness. So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me. Since I know it is all for Christ’s good, I am quite content with my weaknesses and with insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
I like this verse because there are a lot of areas that I’m weak in, but if I give those to Christ, He can be strong for me. And it also helps me because even though the things of this world, including myself, may seem so important, the only thing that really matters is Christ, and that needs to affect every decision I make in life.
Future Plans: In the fall I plan to further my education at Hagerstown Community College, until God further discloses what it is He’s going to have me do. I love traveling, and I’m hoping to maybe pursue foreign missions for a while, or some kind of traveling ministry. But, God is good, and for now, I just need to make sure I’m ready when He calls.
Stephanie Cele Hornor
I am the youngest of three children and the first one in my family to be home schooled. My parents are Bill and Lucy Horner. At a very young age I can remember asking Jesus into my heart while saying prayers with Mom and Dad. When I got older I often wondered if I would have been a better Christian if I had become a believer later in life.
One of my first memories was trying my hardest to be just like my older sister and brother. I wanted to go where they went, do what they did, and act just like them. My sister was the oldest of us three and the wild child. She was always doing something outrageous and could never stay in one place for very long. My brother was more balanced but seemed to still have more fun than me. I hated being left out, forgotten, and constantly not old enough to do the things I wanted to do. When I reached my teen years I became more and more resentful of the fact that my sister and brother seemed to get all the attention and I was just little Stephanie, who never did anything wrong. I felt like I had something to prove, I wanted to show everyone that I could be bad. The more I thought about it the more I disliked walking the Christian walk. I was sick of being different, obeying every rule, and being the momma’s girl. My attitude changed for the worse and my actions conveyed that I wanted nothing to do with God. When I went to church and other social events, I was as bright and cheerful as ever; you would never have guessed the inner turmoil I was experiencing. I saw Christianity as one huge barrier between the life I had to conform too and the life that I thought I was missing out on. I quit reading my Bible and praying, and drew away from my parents, not letting them in on what I was going through. I thought that if they really knew my heart, then they would know all the bad things I was capable of doing. I was getting nothing out of Church and Sunday school and contemplated giving up all together on being a Christian. I didn’t want to change. Change meant submission and that was something I certainly didn’t want to do. I was terribly insecure, hated the world, and hated my life. Then something happened. God used people in my life to encourage me and point me in the right direction. I opened up to my parents, and let go of the constant desire to be a rebel. I stopped feeling sorry for myself and started reaching out to others around me who were hurting just like I was. I have a long way to go in my Christian walk, and at times it seems like I haven’t gotten very far but I keep praying and seeking God’s face. Whenever I get discouraged or tempted to quit, I remember God’s promises in scripture. I would like to thank my parents for being so patient and loving me unconditionally.
Katie Rose Lewis
I became a Christian at a young age. My parents taught me about God and how much He loves us and wants us to have a relationship with Him. Through the years I have grown closer to Him and I am so thankful that He placed me in a home with parents who love me and want the best for me. I am also thankful for my church family and my pastor who has lovingly guided me in the way I should go.
Favorite Verse:
Psalm 145:14-21. These verses are special to me because of the faithfulness of God that is displayed.
Future Plans:
This fall I’ll be heading down to the Evangelical Institute in Greenville, S.C. I’m not sure yet if I’ll stay for two years or not. After that, well, there are a lot of things that I’m interested in and I don’t know what I’II end up pursuing. My future is in His hands.
Adam Glen Lindengren
Graduation! I am finally finished one important segment of my life and I am going to be moving on to another where I will be making decisions that will affect me for the rest of my life.
I would like to thank God for getting me this far, for it is by His grace that I have made it to the point in my life and the credit is due Him who created me and gave me life. He has enabled me to accomplish this chapter in my life. I would also like to thank my parents for the wisdom and knowledge they shared with me over the years. As well as loving me unconditionally and sharing knowledge, they also were the ones that were pushing me to get the job done. They helped me through times of discouragement and gave me hope in situations that seemed hopeless. I also would like to thank both of my grandmothers, Grandel and Gemom, who both loved me from the moment I was born and have taught me things that will always stick with me. I know they have always prayed for me. Whenever I was down, Brian was always there to pick me up and encourage me as well as provide many humorous times. He also showed me that it is OK to laugh at yourself.
Last, but not least, thanks as well to my three brothers and two sisters who I had the privilege to grow up with. I love you guys.
In closing, I would like to give another thanks to God for giving me perseverance to get this far and ask Him, who is capable of all things, to give me spiritual wisdom as I venture out into this dark world.
Favorite Verse: Proverbs 6:20-22 “My son keep your father’s commands and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. Bind them upon your heart forever; fasten them around your neck. When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you.”
Future Plans: After graduation, I am planning to attend a community college where I will prepare myself to apply for an appointment to the Naval Academy in Annapolis or another four-year college as the Lord leads me.
Edward Lee Luster III
I would first like to thank Jesus Christ for dying for my sins and helping me to strive better in life. I would like to thank the Almighty Lord for creating the earth in the seven day process. I would like to thank my family for showing me a lot of love during the good and bad times in life. I especially want to thank my father for teaching me how to be a man and to take up responsibilities and to never forsake the wisdom that GOD provided for us all. Thank you Mom, for bringing me into the world and teaching me the mothers wisdom that GOD warns us about in Proverbs. I thank my brother for always inspiring me to increase esteem to succeed in my potential goals that I wait on from GOD. My brother and I will always have love that endures-blood is thicker than water.
Future Plans: During my years after attending college, I would consider: Civil Engineering, Journalism, Art, History, Music, Poetry, Real Estate, Athletics, and being a true leader in GOD’s eyes, to open doors for the precious children in this world.
Favorite Verse: JOSHUA 1:9; “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be terrified; don’t be discouraged, for the Lord your GOD will be with you wherever you go.”
The reason why I picked this verse, is because when I feel discouraged this verse helps me to succeed.
Mark Jeffrey Marini
During a youth service in sixth grade, I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. At that point in my life, I was struggling with school. After seven years in public school, my parents decided to home school me which, at that time, was the best thing for me. Home schooling has been a blessing for me, especially through the past four years of high school. God opened up opportunities for me that I would never have received in public school. I thank God for directing my steps and guiding my path. I am also grateful to my parents for their decision to home school me as well as for their support and commitment.
Favorite Verse: Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
This scripture has special meaning for me because whenever I said the words “I can’t,” God’s encouraging words were right there to help me overcome.
Future Plans: I have always enjoyed being a leader, helping people, and working at a fast pace in a variety of different situations. I enjoy the adrenaline rush. Taking these things into consideration, I am praying about either a career in EMS or law enforcement.
Michael Glenn Neumann
My home schooling journey began eight years ago as I started 5th grade. My sister Laura had began home schooling because of her involvement in gymnastics. Every day when I would return home from school Laura and my mom would describe their day to me. After only a week I knew I had to be home schooled. I know now that God was working in my life to have me at home, and for that, I am forever grateful. I want to thank my parents for sticking with me and helping me keep my focus even when I would let it drift. I also want to thank my dad for how he has been such an example for me in life and godliness. I want to thank my mom for how she has prayed for me and guided me throughout my life. For my sister Laura, for how she keeps me in line during our trying time of doing Konos. Jamie for the example of a godly woman over the last couple of years. For my friend Andrew, for how he has supported me throughout my whole life.
Future Plans: I will be attending Gordon College in the Fall where I will be studying Business Management.
Wesley Sarah Doyle Niemann
Looking back on almost 18 years of life, and 12 years of homeschooling, I realize how incredibly blessed I am. I have everything anyone could ask for: a wonderful family, the best friends ever, enough talents to get me through my life, and a God who knows every step I will take. I am a lucky girl. I am so thankful to God for His unending grace, love, patience, and kindness towards me. He is truly the only thing worth living for. Dad and Mom -- thank you for all the wisdom, encouragement, advice, love, and pushes in the right direction over the years. You taught me how to fly. . . “You are the wind beneath my wings.” I love you both. Dale, Con and Jeremiah -- thanks for all the laughs, memories and good times. It’s a pleasure to be your big sister. I love you all very, very much. It’s been such a wonderful and exciting journey to this point, and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead!
Favorite Verse: Isaiah 40:30--31 “Even youth grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall, but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Future Plans: I am planning on taking a year off and joining a full-time, traveling ministry. I am still not sure which one, but I am looking at several. After that, I hope to attend college in the fall of 2004, majoring in musical theatre. My plans are still up in the air, but I know the Lord will lead me where me wants me.
Annah Victoria Shilts
Jeremiah 1:4-5 “Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you...”
I was born in California in 1984 to two wonderful Christian parents. They taught me about the Savior and how much He loves me. I grew up in a home much loved and surrounded by my Lord. Though I cannot remember exactly when I first prayed for salvation, God knocked at my heart at age 13. Though I had known Him my whole life it wasn’t until then that I really let Him take over my life completely. I’ve been learning over the years to always give my troubles over to Him and be at rest. These past two years have been the hardest test yet and I am still learning to give it all to Jesus. I have been homeschooled my entire life. Because of my dad’s job we had to move around a lot. We lived in three states and moved every two years until I was ten years old. By the grace of God we bought a house in Westminster, Maryland and have lived there since. My thankfulness is first and foremost for my Savior. Thank you Lord for always being there, ready to shoulder my burdens when I choose to give them up, for loving me no matter what I do, and for giving me eternal life with You. Thank you Daddy for always being there. For giving me guidance, a righteous example, and being my best friend. Thank you for being born in the same state as I was, for teasing me about my dog, supporting my horses, and simply being my Papa. Thank you Mom for having the patience for schooling me. Through the tears of math, joy of reading, and the love of learning you have taught me so much of God’s world. Thank you for sharing my love of girlie movies, horses, and chocolate. You have set an example of a Godly woman of character that I hope to follow. Thank you Patrick for being like a big brother to me. Thank you Jonathan for always making me laugh. Thank you Rebecca for being the sister I waited nine years for. And thank you Grama for always caring and for sneaking us chocolate chips when you bake. I want to thank my friends for being such an encouragement, especially these past two years. You have made me laugh, cried with me, and shown me God’s love in your kindness and patience.
I am so blessed with my home, family, friends, church, school, and life. Thank you Jesus!
Favorite Verse: Isaiah 40:31 “But those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength. They will rise up and wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Future Plans: Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Through the Gates of Splendor “Where shall we look? Where shall we go? I believe that we have a right to go back to the Bible for our anchorage. Here we have recognized foundation...let us build upon it.”
At present I plan to continue full time horse training, riding and beginner rider instruction. I am also seeking to become a children’s author (I haven’t been an adult long enough to write anything else). I also have interests in singing, assistant nursing, animal therapy, sewing, photography, art, acting, baking, God’s creatures, His world, and serving others in the love of Jesus.
Kimberly Ruthanne Troyer
I would like to thank my heavenly Father for the strength and the growing personal relationship that I have with Him. Exodus 14:14 “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” The Lord gave this verse to me when my family and I were going through a trial in our lives. While going through that time I just had to give every thing to Him and in return He has blessed me and my family in so many ways I can’t begin to describe. The only thing I can say is that He is a wonderful, loving God.
Secondly, I thank my 3 sisters Gretchen, Rebekah and Heather for not only helping me with problems in the work books but also for encouraging me when I felt defeated. Thanks you guys. I love you.
And now I would like to thank you Dad and Mom for the patience that you had with me (especially during Grammar), for the love you showed to me and the encouragement that you gave to me when I was ready to give up. I love you both.
Future Plans: My desire is to have a family of my own. But if that is in the plan that God has set for me He will have to work that out. Until then He has put another desire in my heart, to go to college and get my teachers degree in Special Education and teach mentally and physically challenged children.
Kenton Michael Wagner
I want to praise the Lord Jesus Christ and give Him the glory for saving me from my sin and for giving me the grace and strength that brought me this far. Without the grace of God, I would be a long way from where I am now.
I also want to thank my parents for being so dedicated, loving, and patient. Thank you so much Mom and Dad. Also, thanks to all those who helped me along the way; my family, my great pastor, Christain friends, and the staff at WCFS.
Thank You All and God Bless
Favorite Verses: Psalm 40:5 “Many, 0 Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.”
Psalm 18:2 “The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer: my God, my strength, in whom I will trust, my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.”
Future Plans: For now, I am still seeking God’s will for what He wants me to do with my life. I am looking into several different jobs but I don’t have any nailed-down plans yet.
Travis Evan Walker
First and most importantly I thank God for sending his Son to die for my sins, I also thank God for blessing me with an adoring and loving family. Secondly I thank my parents for guiding me both spiritually and mentally for so many years, without your guidance and wisdom I would not be the man I am today, thank you.
My eyes have been opened to what the Lord is doing in my life, you couldn’t fathom what I have seen in my life and the lives around me. I see things in a different light than most others, but much of the time I keep my opinions to myself. You probably wouldn’t perceive me, for I am very analytical about how I think and process events. I feel I am not a very eloquent orator, therefore I am reserved with my opinions and comments.
I feel being home schooled was a great opportunity for me to grow spiritually and gave me the talents and skills to a plethora of careers and many ways of living my life. I will as long as I live have a great respect for the stay at home moms or the politically correct term ‘homemakers’.
Favorite Verse: Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Future Plans: My plans are enlisting in the navy some time over the summer, as for what field I choose that is in Gods hands. I am currently working at a Christian day care helping develop young minds for a more promising future.
John Philip Wilson
I was saved at a young age, but it wasn’t until I was in my mid-teens that I fully understood what it meant to be a Christian. Since then I have tried my best to be a man of God. I am very thankful for my parents (whom I have never really deserved), for their love and guidance through my school life and, most of all, for their patience with me, as I struggled with my studies and my life. I also thank my sisters: Hannah, for putting up with her ‘little’ brother, since we are both firstborns, and we often ‘lock horns’ at home; and Elizabeth, for being there whenever I needed a playmate. But most of all, I thank God and His Son Jesus Christ, for saving me, and always guiding me down the right paths so I will always be led back to Him, and His ever-forgiving love.
Favorite Verse: Psalm 119:9 “How shall a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Thy (God’s) Word.” This has become one of my favorite verses because it always reminds me that there is One I can turn to with ALL of Life’s questions and problems.
Future Plans: I don’t know what God has in store for my life on Earth, but I DO know that it will be for His glory. In the meantime, God permitting, I am planning on continuing my studies in martial arts, and I am considering the possibility of going to Wor-Wic Community College to learn physical therapy and accounting.
Isa Lee Witles
I would like to encourage all you who are graduating, and those yet to graduate to be grateful for all that our parents have done for us. I personally know that my mom and dad were there to help and encourage me throughout this year. They have been a wonderful encouragement to me by sending little notes that helped me along the way. My verse for this year is Philippians 4:19 I am sure we all know it, but do we remember it in the time of stress or trial.
In closing, I would like to say thank you to the people who taught me in the classes that I attended this year. And lastly, but not least, I would like to thank my senior class. Thank you for electing me as your secretarty. Thanks also for all the fun times that we had. God bless you all!
Favorite Verse: Philippians 4:19 “I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me.”
Future Plans: I am not sure yet where the Lord will lead me, but this I know, His plan is just right for me and He will tell me what I must do in His own timing.