When 280 young people from all corners of the earth leave home to live, study, and work together for a year, they require a person who can be there for them and support them in their new daily routines.
By: Johanne Reiersrud – Photo: BCC
“Many of them seek information, reassurance, and assistance, especially in the beginning,” says Gershon Twilley, student adviser at the Bible School. “They need someone who cares that can help them with personal issues. For me, this is challenging, but extremely rewarding, work.”
Twilley (52) keeps busy teaching and counseling students who come to the Bible school. With nearly 300 new students arriving every fall for orientation, a variety of factors are considered. Many are new graduates from high school and have never lived away from home, and at the same time are getting introduced to new roommates, routines, and study plans.
After a year at the Bible School, students should be relatively familiar with the Norwegian language and culture, in addition to having been supplied with a great deal of knowledge about the church’s doctrine and the Bible. Most stay for a year, but in some cases students wish to stay longer.
Kjersti Risnes works in YEP`s admissions office, which grants admission to the Bible School to nearly 300 young people every year. Photo: BCC
A solid foundation for their Christian lives
“Brunstad Bible School is actually an incredibly unique arena for missions, because youth from many cultures meet and are inspired by the same faith and the same teaching while they live, study, and work together,” says Twilley.
“It’s a significant interval of time for them, and I think that most think back on this period as both rewarding and relevant. In the duration of a year, many establish a solid foundation for their Christian lives, and are usually much more mindful of their own faith when they leave than they were when they came. Our goal mirrors that of the Great Commission; to make disciples of all nations. In order to make such a choice, they must first be taught the doctrine that Jesus brought to the earth,” he states.
International milieu – youth from all over the world gather for a closing party, after completing one year at Brunstad Bible School. Photo: BCC
Youth and missionary work are nothing new in Gershon Twilley`s family. In the next article, we will delve into his background and what has made him the person he is today.