Clash Story: Stephanie Martin

Stephanie, 18, grew up in Covenant Life Church. She graduated from Covenant Life School where she attended for 8 years, off and on. This fall, Lord willing, Stephanie will attend the University of Maryland, College Park, to study Chemical or Material Science Engineering. Stephanie loves playing volleyball, reading fiction, and watching movies with her family.

Stephanie on The Clash:

When I signed up for The Clash I expected to learn about how to engage the culture with Christian world view in every area of life—which I did, but it was far richer than I could have imagined.

Here's my major take away point: God created everything so it is good; and man is called to subdue and use this creation for God's glory. It is part of the image of God in man take dominion over creation. This means that it is not a waste of time developing technology or music or art because it is mirroring God's character. But it gets even better—God created me with specific gifts and he designed me for specific good works that he predestined.

I was so encouraged by this because I will be attending the University of Maryland in the fall to study engineering. I had previously wondered whether it would have been better to go to start at a community college to save money or even if it is worth going to college if I was just going to get married. But now I see that studying at UMD is what I am supposed to do because it is part of the God's cultural mandate and it will even be preparing me for my higher calling as a wife and mother. This is where God has placed me and this is where I must pursue excellence.

Engineering is actually a spiritual discipline and a spiritual pursuit, and will help me grow spiritually because all of science points to God and magnifies his faithfulness and immutability. Also, engineering reflects God's character by viewing creation as valuable and good because God made it, and then using this good creation to benefit others. I am so amazed at God's goodness to provide for me go to The Clash just two weeks before I go away to college. I am confident in the sovereignty of God, that he will use me on campus and give me opportunities to advance his kingdom through engagement in the culture. I can't wait!

We want your story. If you attended The Clash, please send us your story about what you learned, how truth changed you and how it's making a difference in the way you're engaging the world. Send an email to contact@joshharris.com and be sure to include a picture and a short bio.