Impact 360 Institute

Entering new and unfamiliar environments is almost never an easy task, especially in the case of the transition to adulthood and college life. For context, my hometown of Waycross, Georgia, is about a four-hour drive to Impact 360. Throughout my drive here, I caught myself incessantly worrying about my time on the campus.

“What would everything be like?”
“Would I find Godly friends?”
“How will I handle the schoolwork load?”
“Would I enjoy my time and growth here?”

Upon arrival, in contrast with my fears and doubts, I was welcomed with a kind, friendly attitude from staff and Fellows alike. The people that I have met and gotten to grow closer to in the past weeks are some of the greatest guys and girls I have ever known. We have had our fair share of laughs and joy. For example, one time we hosted a watch party in Legacy Commons for the movie that Class XVII made. More than this however, we’ve had many moments of spiritual vulnerability and fellowship, like the several fellow-led worship sessions. If I had one word to describe the Fellows of Class XX, it would be warm. They never fail to brighten my day with their diverse personalities that all seem to mesh flawlessly.

Proverbs 27:17 talks about how, like iron sharpening iron, fellow brothers and sisters in Christ “sharpen” and improve each other. The community here at Impact 360 lives out this verse every day, holding each other to the standard set by Christ and lifting one another up when we fall short of it. This community takes Impact 360’s motto of “Know. Be. Live” to heart, and the fruits of their effort show for it.

The Class XX community fosters not only social and developmental growth, but focuses heavily on intellectual and, more importantly, spiritual growth. From last-minute group study sessions for quizzes, to several hour-long theological conversations around the lunch table, to their personal quiet times and Bible studies, the students here in Impact 360 Class XX demonstrate a daily hunger for knowledge about God, their faith, and a passion to grow in their relationships with Him. This drive and discipline from my classmates inspires me to crave knowing the Lord even deeper.

I am so excited for what these next eight months hold for me and my classmates. I believe the Lord is going to use each of these wonderful, Godly young men and women to do miraculous things for Him and His kingdom. With a trip to the Auburn University and Utah this month, as well as our international trips to Brazil and South Africa close on the horizon, what we are learning here will soon be put into practice. My hope for personal growth this upcoming year is for wisdom and responsibility management. As for the overall growth of my class, I pray God brings us even closer to one another as we grow closer to Him.

God bless you all,
Andrew Kilgore, Class XX Fellows