Listen in, over the next several weeks as some of the current diakonia students chat about their experience with the guided, self-study program for Adult Faith formation. This is the third in the series.
Michele: Hi, Wilma. I am especially glad to talk with you about the diakonia program because you are the first student we have had in the 16 years the program has been active who is from the Panhandle. What made you decide to join the program?
Wilma: I had been looking for something to increase my knowledge of the Bible and the Lutheran faith as well as helping me in my personal spiritual growth. When I saw the article in the synod newsletter about the diakonia program being online and what it could offer, I thought that it would be the ideal thing for me. Being up in the Panhandle, doing an in-person course even if it is on the weekends, isn’t necessarily feasible as I am a 7-hour drive from Tampa. So, online is a perfect option for me. If I had any doubts, after a conversation with you, Michele, about what the program entailed, I signed right up!
Michele: Is the program what you expected it to be?
Wilma: It’s more than I expected! The people in the course are super friendly and welcomed me right away on my first Zoom. They had been taking online courses together for about six months when I joined, but they immediately made me feel a part of the group. The mentors/coaches have been fabulous. They really encourage us to learn from the lessons and to express our views in both class and in our written work. The discussions in class are wonderful and everyone gets a chance to share. I was a little leery about the written work at first (it’s been a while since I wrote a paper), but the coaches are so great at working with us that I have actually enjoyed the written assignments.
Michele: What would you say to someone thinking about joining this program?
Wilma: Do it! If you think it might be something you want to do, then sign up. You can register for one course, if it isn’t for you, then you don’t have to take any more. If you need to skip a course for any reason, you can jump back in on the next class. The program is so flexible. I am loving every minute of the course. The other students and coaches are fantastic, and I am learning so much. The diakonia program is really helping me in my knowledge and my personal spiritual growth. Thank you, Florida-Bahamas Synod!
Go to diakoniafl.org for more info or contact Michele Hilton at micheleahilton@aol.com.
