Interview with Jullian from Durban, South Africa

20 year old Jullian Jafter from Durban, South Africa gives his thoughts on what has been great at Hillsong International Leadership College.

Jullian has been saved for 8 years. He is out of a very diverse family, with a lot of different people with just as many different world views and beliefs. Two of his family members are Christians, and they introduced him to Christianity, and that became major influence on Jullian’s choice of lifestyle.

Why did you decide to study at Hillsong College?

I had a desire to go to Bible College because I wanted to grow personally and I wanted to put myself in a place where I would be challenged to figure out what God wanted to do with my life. I checked out different Bible Colleges, but I had friends that had been at Hillsong International Leadership College, and they recommended Hillsong highly, so I checked it out and decided to go.

Was there any particular reason why you chose to go overseas?

Well I wanted a fresh start. I wanted to go somewhere new and start over in a way. It seemed to be more challenging to go overseas, than to just stay at home in South Africa. And on top of that there was some sense of adventure mixed in too.

How has it been moving to Australia then?

It’s been great. There have definitely been some challenges, but nothing I could not handle. The cultural difference has obviously been interesting, but not at all too much. It’s just something that spices up the everyday life.
I love the fact that people are so open and free in Australia. The Aussies are so laid back compared to where I’m from. And when I decided to go to Hillsong I thought I was going to be the only international student, but it turned out that there were many international students here.

What has been your favorite subject during the years you have been at college?

I have two favorite subjects. The first one is from my Certificate IV where I did the TV and Media Stream. We had a subject called Location and Camera Operation. That was really great because it gave me a great understanding of making movies and working with cameras and so on.
My other favorite is a class we have now in the Diploma. It’s called Ministry and Outreach Development. It is a concept development class. We learn to develop ministry concepts and to relate it to people and to communicate with them. Both subjects have been really interesting and have taught me things I’ll be using when I’m going home.

What, out of the things you have learned at Hillsong College, will you still be using 10 years from now?

I’ve learned a huge principle here that applies to most of the things we do in life. Relationship is a key factor in life and in everything we do. If we don’t know how to relate to people, there is a big chance we won’t have any success leading or reaching people.
My relationship with God will reflect in my relationship with others.

What is the biggest thing God has done in your life while being at college?

The breaking of my mindsets, especially a poverty mindset. I’ve always underestimated myself and what I and the church as a whole can do. I have shifted my mindset to all is possible through God. Even though I’m one small individual - God can do great things through one person. Even if it’s just one person.

Do you feel more equipped to do what God has called you to do after having been at college?

Yes - definitely - I feel equipped both spiritually and practically. Spiritually, I’ve been fed well. I’ve been equipped to take on much more than I have done before and thought that I could do. Practically, I’ve been pushed to think of “how to get it done” instead of “I’d like to get it done”.

Where do you serve in church?

I served inTV and Media in church the first year and that is helping with the production of the media side of church. Now, in second year of college, I serve in Wildlife, our youth ministry for 16-18 year olds.

What is the very best thing about studying at Hillsong College?

The people in college. It’s so diverse and you get to meet so many people from different walks of life. You learn so much from hanging out with them!

Have you gotten what you came for?

I’m getting there meaning that I still have so much to learn. I have gotten so much already, but there are so many things to learn. I am still on the path of getting there.

What are you going to do after college?

I’m going to do a third year and probably degree, and then my plan is to study medicine.

Is college worth it?

Yes - one hundred percent, especially the TV and Media Stream. What we get out of college is so much more than what we put in! Sometimes things can be challenging, I mean it was really a struggle for me to come here from a financial perspective, but is was so worth it.