Walking Strong in Faith: A Message of Purpose and Trust

Caption: Ben Bolanta shares his testimony during a weekly chapel. [by Dr. Cristina Meier]

by Rafael Oliveira

PACA’s weekly chapel on September 23 gave IT employee Ben Bolanta the opportunity to share his testimony and an inspiring message about walking faithfully with God and understanding the purpose He gives to each person.

Bolanta was invited to speak after a time of praise and worship led by the high school worship team, organized by chaplain Lucas Ham Swisher, who coordinates the chapel talks. He began his message by explaining his hope for everyone who was listening.

“I hoped they would take their walk with God very seriously, and for those that don’t know God to come to Him and put their faith in Jesus Christ,” Bolanta said. “So they could understand they have a great assignment to reach other people with the gospel.”

He shared that he felt led to remind young believers of the foundation of their faith.

“I felt led to just remind young believers of whom they actually believe in and why they believe in Him,” Bolanta said.

When asked how he prepares for messages like this, Bolanta described a process centered on prayer and Scripture.

“The first thing I do is pray, then I go into God’s Word and I ask Him to guide me to some scriptures,” he said. “Then I break down what I want to say into three outlines and try to put in some stories from my own life or stories that would help the message when I can.”

One of the students in attendance was Freshman Felipe Wilcken, who sat near the front of the auditorium with his classmates.

“I think what stood out to me was when Ben started talking about how he almost lost his life,” Felipe said. “It stood out to me because I didn’t know that before, and I could tell from that experience that he is someone very strong in God.”

Ben’s testimony described how he went through a life-threatening experience that forced him to rely completely on God’s strength and plan. Through that difficult season, he learned to trust God even when he didn’t understand what was happening, and to hold firmly to his faith in Christ.

“It encouraged me to live my life in God like it was my last day and to never stop trusting in God because He is in control and He is sovereign,” Wilcken said. “I need to trust in Him more.”

Throughout his message, Bolanta reminded students that Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is the foundation of hope and purpose for all believers. He encouraged everyone to remember that their lives have meaning because of what Christ has already done.

“It impacts us because it helps us live knowing that He already paid the ultimate price for me,” Wilcken said. “That gives me a feeling of relief because I feel cared for and like I always have someone there for me in any circumstance.”

Bolanta’s words, filled with sincerity and faith, reminded students of their mission to live purposefully and to trust in God in every moment of life.

Secondary chapels are organized and directed by PACA chaplain Lucas Ham Swisher, who gives students, teachers, and other influential members of the PACA community the opportunity to speak to middle school and high school students on Tuesdays during 7th or 8th period.