Mary Grace Escalera had nothing more than Php 5,000 when she first came to APNTS to study in the Master of Divinity program. She resigned from her job and left her home in Quezon City to move into the campus and start her studies in the seminary.
Grace was working full-time as a Math teacher before she came to APNTS. She was also involved in different ministries in the church. It was when she was assigned to teach during Bible studies that she started to realize the need for her to study. “I was frustrated because I felt like I was not able to teach the Bible effectively to the youth. God showed me that I need to study.”
Even though she only had the money for the down payment when she first came to APNTS, God provided for her all throughout her time at seminary. God provided jobs for her to financially support herself and also people who provided for her.
It was not an easy six-year journey for her, but through her experiences in APNTS her faith and relationship with the Lord was strengthened. She also learned about sacrifices as she had to give up her plans and allow the Lord to do His. But for her, the most important lesson she learned was love. “Without love, everything is nothing. Even studying will be dragging. We have to put love in everything.”
From Mathematics Grace shifted to studying theology. She gave up her personal goals especially in her career and allowed the Lord to work in her life. Coming to APNTS, all Grace wanted and prayed for was to be used effectively by God in His Kingdom. And even up to now, this remains to be her prayer.