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“He Will Hold Me Fast.”

It was a Sunday morning in January, at Grace Community Church, when I first heard this worship song. I was 18 and had recently arrived in the U.S from my home in Brazil to start my journey as a Mustang. I was worried and had no idea how I would be able to afford all four years at TMU.

Listening to this song for the first time reminded me that, no matter what happened to me, God was in control and on His throne, and He loved me so much more than I could ever fathom.

Looking back on the past three and a half years, this song still speaks volumes to my time at 91ɫ��Ƭ91ɫ��Ƭ. Not only did the Lord show me that He was in control of my finances and plans, and that He was the source of my assurance of salvation, but He also showed me how He is “able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20).

In seven semesters, He displayed His immeasurable value and gave me relationships that I will enjoy for the rest of my life. Not only that, I learned how to drive, had hundreds of surfing sessions, and enjoyed the best of Southern California. Hikes, road trips, authentic Mexican food, coffee, and everything the amazing surroundings of TMU can offer made my time as a Mustang delightful.

I learned the true value of relationships with people who are more mature than me, as well as the importance of the church. I realized that I am nothing without other believers in my life.

Most importantly, I also met the love of my life, who I will be marrying very soon—and she is way more amazing than I could ever have asked for.

My professors showed me what it means to live godly, mature lives, and that the more we know Christ the more we rely on and cling to Him for all things. They taught me that humility and service are the most noble things we can permeate our lives with, and that a life well lived is a life that gives itself without restraint or hesitation. I actually got to know them as people, and even though I learned a lot in the classroom, seeing their lives outside the classroom had the most impact on my growth as a Mustang.

The best part of it all was coming in as a freshman, thinking I knew everything, and leaving with an unquenchable desire to learn—because I learned that, really, I know nothing at all.

After all of that, I step into this world with a sure foundation. A mentor once told me that TMU is a special place because it teaches God91ɫ��Ƭ Word and relies on His power to change lives through Scripture. To truly know Scripture is to be drawn to Christ.

The blend of submission to the church, cultivation of fruitful relationships, and strong adherence to sound doctrine makes The 91ɫ��Ƭ91ɫ��Ƭ University what it is: the institution that taught me Christ will hold me fast.