At the International Christian College of Manila (ICCM), students arrive with many different stories. Some come directly from church communities, eager to prepare for ministry. Others arrive carrying heavy personal struggles while searching for a new direction in life.
One student nearing graduation, Maria (name changed for privacy), represents both realities.
Only a few years ago, her life took a difficult turn when her marriage ended after her husband’s unfaithfulness. Suddenly she found herself raising two children alone while trying to rebuild her life. The emotional weight of the separation, combined with the responsibility of caring for her family, pushed her to the point where she nearly gave up hope for the future.
Yet in the middle of that hardship, she made a decision that would shape the next chapter of her life. Rather than withdrawing, she chose to continue her studies at ICCM.
Continuing her education was not easy. Like many students at ICCM, she comes from limited financial means. To make it possible, she joined the college’s work scholarship program, contributing through service while pursuing her studies. At the same time, relatives stepped in to support her and her children during the most difficult seasons.
Balancing study, work and parenting required constant perseverance. As a solo parent, she carries the daily responsibilities of caring for two children while also managing the demands of academic life and ministry preparation.
Despite those challenges, she has become known among her peers and teachers for her positive attitude and deep trust in God. Her story is not simply about overcoming hardship. It is about transformation through faith and community support.
While studying, she also serves actively in ministry.
Each weekend she travels to Lealtad Church of Christ, where she serves as the Children’s Ministry Director and one of the teachers working with the church’s young people. In this role she helps organise children’s programs, teaches Bible lessons and supports the spiritual development of the next generation within the congregation.
Ministry is not an additional activity on top of her studies. It is part of a calling that has grown stronger through her experience.
ICCM’s training program combines theological study with practical ministry engagement, ensuring that students are not only learning in the classroom but also serving within their local churches. For students like her, this integration has helped shape both their spiritual formation and their sense of purpose.
As she approaches graduation, she is preparing for the next step.
Her goal is to become a licensed school teacher while continuing to serve in children’s ministry. Teaching will allow her to provide for her family while also investing in the lives of young people, both academically and spiritually.
This vision reflects the broader mission of ICCM. The college seeks to equip students not only for pastoral ministry but also for service in communities where education, leadership and faith often intersect. Many graduates go on to serve as teachers, church workers or community leaders.
The journey has been deeply personal. The challenges she faced once threatened to derail her future. Yet through perseverance, support from family and the encouragement of the church community, she has continued moving forward.
Her story illustrates how theological education can become a pathway for restoration as well as preparation. Instead of allowing hardship to define her future, she is now preparing to serve others through both education and ministry.
Soon she will graduate from ICCM.
What once felt like the end has become a new beginning shaped by faith, resilience and a commitment to serve the next generation.