Interview with Ivana Sanchez from Argentina
Ivana didn’t know very much about Hillsong College before coming to Australia. She knew a little about Hillsong Music though - but she found out that Hillsong is a whole lot more than that!
Coming to Australia to study meant breaking a lot of her mindsets. It seemed impossible, but God made a way and she knew that God wanted her to be here.
What has surprised you most about moving to Australia?
Everybody here are so nice! We have a lot of corruption at home and people don’t say hi. When you go shopping here people greet you. Everyone is so friendly in the church. They are smiling and they are genuinely concerned about you. I felt really welcome when I arrived Church here has surprised me. At home the churches are quite simple. At Hillsong the church is big, you have lights, great multimedia and excellence all through.
What has been your favorite subject during your study at Hillsong International Leadership College?
I would have to say Christian Doctrine with our principal Lee Burns. Lee is an awesome teacher and this was the first subject I had with him. He has a great authority because he lives what he preaches, but still he is humble and he loves people. That gives a person authority. This subject is about the why behind the what. It teaches reasons why we do and belicertain things.
What has challenged you the most during your stay?
I would say that putting into practice all the things I learned has been a great challenge. And changing my habits and ways of thinking when it comes to church. Church can be so many different things. Hillsong College has definitely challenged me. It has provoked me to think things through and get my my own view on things.
What, out of the things you have learned at Hillsong International Leadership College, will you be using 10 years from now?
Some great leadership principle I have learned here is encouraging, lifting and empowering people. I have really been impacted by the fact that the leaders here are focused on you as a person, and that they are focusing on you growing and thriving. You are not just a member of a team. Also the way they love people - they have a genuine love for the people on their team.
Do you feel more equipped to do what God now after having been at Hillsong International Leadership College?
I definitely do! Especially in the area of leadership and in the way of understanding church and the importance of unity within the church. I have grown a lot in my relationship with God. You can learn a lot, but if you don’t have a personal and good relationship with God you can’t do anything! That is THE most important thing!
What is very best thing about studying at Hillsong International Leadership College?
Being part of this amazing church! It is such an honor and a privilege to be able to experience the love and vision in this house. It dares me to dream so much bigger! Before I came it was so much about singing - I now understand it is so much more than that. It is bringing justice to the world, championing the church and bringing change in the community.
Where do you serve or help out in church?
I serve with youth in Blacktown, which is a nearby suburb. I am in charge of the creative team and I really enjoy it. We have lots of youth there from different countries in Africa. We hang out with them and build relationships.
On Sundays I serve at Merrylands extension services, which are in Spanish and in English and I absolutely love it. I stand at the resource desk and serve the guests of the Merrylands extension.
Do you feel that you have gotten what you came for?
No, I got so much more! It has challenged me in my mindsets, my convictions and in my way of seeing things. I met incredible people here - pastors, church members and students.
Is Hillsong International Leadership College worth it?
Yes, it’s totally worth it - because it opens your mind to see beyond your own little world. It connects you with people from all around the world whose friendships you will gain a lot from, both now and in the future!
When Ivana is done with college her goal is to go back to Argentina and be a part of the change Argentina needs! She realizes she can’t do this on her own, so she is going to plant herself in her local church and get really involved in that.
She wants to see Argentineans get a hope for the future and dream big and she wants to help them understand that God can do anything.
