I (Jenny) asked Will Howell to share his story with our alumni. He has worked as Trinity’s graphic designer for the last six years. During that time, he graduated from the college with his Bachelor’s degree, and also from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary with his Master of Divinity degree. He has designed all the printed material for Trinity, including The Specialist. Will not only has been working for Trinity, but he has also been the youth pastor at Biltmore Baptist Church in Jacksonville, FL for two and a half years. Will is now a full-time youth pastor at Faith Baptist Church of Mandarin, alumnus Andy Pietrylo’s church.
"When, Lord?"

Have you ever found yourself asking the question, "When, Lord?" I have many times. It seems that, at least in my life, God never works according to my schedule.

I can look back to a week before graduation. I remember being in panic mode while trying to think through how God was going to allow me to serve Him in full-time vocational ministry when I didn't have the necessary connections that often provided opportunities, and when I didn't have a wife.

I can look back to July of that exact same year, when I was nervous about how exactly I was going to afford to pay for graduate school. I can even look back six months ago to when God was making it clear in my heart that a transition was on its way.

And every time I would find myself praying, "When, Lord?"

Of course, little did I know that He would have me meet my future wife two weeks after graduation. Little did I know that He had a student pastor position waiting for me (albeit part-time), that I would get a call about two days after graduation, and little did I know that my dad, who doesn't necessarily agree with my vocational decisions, would completely fund my graduate degree (as he had done with all of my previous educational expenses).

Now it has become obvious to me that I don't have to make God conform to my schedule. He's got it all pretty much figured out. He has provided in immeasurable ways. I married a beautiful, young woman whom I don't deserve. I got a chance to serve in a ministry setting that allowed me to grow as a pastor and leader. I got to stay connected to Trinity and individuals who mentored me throughout high school and college. I don't have a dime of debt, and I have both a Bachelors from Trinity and a Master of Divinity degree from Liberty, and I have just started a new full-time ministry opportunity with fellow Trinity alumni that will also keep me close to friends and family.

Maybe soon I'll learn to just trust God and stop saying, "When, Lord?"