THE ASSOCIATION FOR BIBLICAL HIGHER EDUCATION’S (ABHE) Reclaim Today Student Initiative is a prestigious program offered in partnership with Our Daily Bread Ministries, a U.S.-based devotional publisher, to give students an extraordinary opportunity to integrate their faith with their writing and design aspirations.
Since 2023, Highlands College (HC) students have participated in the workshop, competing against peers from 160+ ABHE-affiliated institutions for 30 writing seats. This year, five remarkable students from Highlands College were selected to attend, reflecting the caliber of talent and dedication among the HC student body.
Over the years, this three-day workshop has offered students a platform to refine their skills, network with industry professionals, and potentially publish their work. This achievement emphasizes the strength of the College’s writing foundations and the dedication of its students to integrating their faith with their craft to share the Gospel. Highlands College students use their creative gifts to bring glory to God and serve the Church.
“God can line up the passion that He’s put inside of you with the words that He’s given you, and that can be your calling and career,” said Marguerite Armistead, Director of the HC Writing Lab.
Beyond the immediate workshop experience, the partnership with Our Daily Bread Ministries connects students to editors and publishers. “They’re not just teaching students to be better writers,” Armistead emphasizes, “they’re creating pathways for these students to publish devotionals and faith-driven content, ensuring that their voices contribute to the broader mission of sharing the Gospel.”
Through mentorship, hands-on training, and faith-driven storytelling, the Reclaim Today Student Initiative empowers students to be influential voices and faith-driven communicators, reclaiming this generation for Christ.
As Highlands College continues to grow, opportunities like these solidify its reputation as a premier institution for excellence in Academic Instruction, Ministry Training, Character Formation, and Spiritual Development, fully encompassing faith-based writing and communication.
“God can line up the passion that He’s put inside of you with the words that He’s given you, and that can be your calling and career.”
HAYLEY VALDOIS
“As a Worship Ministry junior, I’ve been in Professor Marguerite Armistead’s Creative God, Creative Writing at HC small group since my first semester. She believed in my gift for writing and pushed me to apply—even after I was rejected last year. I took a leap and tried a new style, and this time, I was accepted.
The Conference in Orlando surprised me in the best ways. I connected with Christian students from North America and heard their hearts, struggles, and stories. We learned from Reclaim Today’s team, who encouraged us spiritually and creatively. By the end, I had written ‘A Prayer for Smelling the Roses,’ inspired by Isaiah 40:8.
What I’ll remember most is the unhurried space to rest, hear from the Lord, and grow. I came home empowered and ready to keep stepping into the calling on my life. Thank you to every donor, professor, and mentor who believed in me—Highlands College wouldn’t be the same without you.”
LILLY NEMETH
“I’m a graduating sophomore in the Global major, and this was my first and only chance to attend the Reclaim Today workshop. When Professor Armistead reached out and encouraged me to apply, I said yes—because I try to say yes to anything that makes me better. I was excited but didn’t expect how deeply connected I’d feel to everyone there.
We worked on individual and group writing assignments, and I was given ‘A Prayer for Packing a Backpack.’ It made me think creatively and spiritually—combining the practical with the personal. Reading it aloud to the group was a little nerve-wracking, but it turned out to be so much fun.
The highlight? Building authentic relationships—with my HC family and students from all over the world. Highlands College prepared me by helping me refine three writing samples for the application. I’m so grateful to the professors and leaders who made this unique, inspiring trip possible.”
MACY GUTIERREZ
“When I showed Dr. Kristen Lushington, the HC Writing Center Coordinator, an essay for class, I never expected it would lead to me being selected to attend this Conference. She encouraged me to apply to Reclaim Today, even though I’d just started writing poetry and wasn’t sure I was ‘good enough.’ Submitting felt scary—but peaceful. Being chosen felt surreal.
As a Family Ministry major, I found the whole experience life-giving. Brenna and Kat, who led the sessions, were so intentional and encouraging. I’ll never forget the honest conversations with students like me—writers, dreamers, believers. I left feeling full—creatively and spiritually.
I even shared a deeply personal prayer I’d written. Before this, I’d only ever written prayers in my devotional time, not to read out loud. But this moment stretched me and affirmed me. I’m grateful to the Lord and Highlands College for helping me step into something new. This was a truly wonderful experience.”
LYDIA HAMANN
“Some friends brought me to the HC Writing Center to proofread my submission, and I was selected to attend this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Gathered with like-minded students from the U.S. and Canada, I was encouraged to know that the Lord is working everywhere and that Gen Z is ready for Jesus and eager to pursue lives of ministry.
Learning that writing is a spiritual gift and an act of worship took the pressure off being perfect and created space for me to truly rest in God. The assignments stretched my creativity and challenged me to sit still and wait for the Lord to inspire me through scripture. At the end of the trip, I was honored to share my prayer with the entire ABHE audience!
It gave me confidence to discover that my words bring glory to God and allow others to see Him. I am incredibly grateful that Highlands College allowed me to attend this initiative—I’m forever changed!” ■
Content has been edited on June 26, 2026 for republishing.
