When Victory Bible Institute began in the fall of 2006, I got excited about it and the Holy Spirit led me to attend, but I missed it. I struggled with seeing how to balance my family and work life and attend Bible College at the same time. When I failed to sign up I remember being discouraged for a time until I signed up for classes in the second year.

On the first night of class Pastor Craig DeBower was teaching on faith; faith for salvation and faith for healing. He said something that I had probably heard before but had not listened to regarding our own healing. I had just been diagnosed with planter fascitis by my family doctor that very day. I had lived with the extreme pain for over a year and since it was not life threatening I just endured it. Hearing Pastor Craig teach that it is not necessary to have hands laid on us to be healed, I simply took action on what I was taught while I drove home from class that evening. Having commanded the pain to leave my heel and not return and believing that is was done, my heel immediately felt better when I arrived home and walked into the house. Since that moment, I have had a twinge when I had to speak to it to remind my body that it was already healed and that I would not accept carrying the pain. This first night of class was the beginning of the best year of my life!

Victory Bible Institute took subjects that I had already been taught but that were not part of my daily walk and moved them from my spirit into my soul. In sharing my faith with people and answering their questions I know that I am better equipped to serve others.

In the past 60 days, I was invited to be interviewed for two promotions in my career and in putting together action plans and personal mission statements. I used many concepts that Dr. Philip Richards and Pastor Craig gave us regarding leadership in preparation. On March 23, 2008 I was promoted to Sales Manager and on that day the Branch Sales Manager to whom I was to report was terminated. Four weeks later I was asked to consider applying for that position and on May 19, 2008 I was promoted to the Branch Sales Manager position with substantially more responsibility and income. I know where this favor comes from and what it is to be used for and I am overwhelmingly humbled by what simple obedience has done for me.

Every week I looked forward to class. Every class flew by and I learned so much and didn't want the class time to end. To God be the glory for the work that is going on at Victory Bible Institute. I am so excited to start year two in August!

In Him,

Paul Peterson