Hanbit Lee: “Meeting God through Academics”

Originally from South Korea, Hanbit felt called to become a Christian Mental Health Counselor and decided to pursue graduate education in the United States. Because she was an international student, it was important to her that she attended a school that felt like a home away from home.

As she looked at different educational options, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS) stood out immediately. “At TEDS I felt at peace and safe. That’s the first thing I felt when I stepped into TEDS just touring the campus. I was certain that the Holy Spirit was encompassing the campus with His peace,” she says. “I was praying for what school to attend for my calling and career, and I had no doubt this was the school the Lord had planned for me!”

God not only gave Hanbit specific direction regarding where to go but also provided her the funds in the form of multiple scholarships, including the Helga Henry Scholarship, which is specifically for women. “I was so grateful to be a recipient of those scholarships and felt seen as my need was met,” Hanbit says. “It definitely lifted my financial burden as I was about to embark on this new academic journey, so I was able to focus more on my studies.”

Hanbit had many eye-opening experiences during her time at TEDS, but for her, one stands out in particular. A group of graduate students had started an intercessory prayer gathering. When the Asbury Revival broke out, several of these students came together to travel all the way to Asbury University. She says, “We left everything behind as we longed for a deep encounter with the Lord. In response, TEDS supported us in practical ways. They covered our gas and waived our class attendance.” How TEDS wanted to come alongside Hanbit and her fellow classmates on this trip was very impactful to Hanbit, making her feel deeply valued.

When asked who her favorite professor was, Hanbit couldn’t choose just one! “I would mention Dr. Julie Russo and Dr. Stephen Greggo. They both hold a special place for me.” Hanbit continued, “I was able to grow spiritually, emotionally, and mentally with their attentiveness and support. They sharpened me to be a better-equipped and faith-integrated counselor.”

TEDS taught Hanbit how God could be loved with all her heart, soul, and mind. “I never knew meeting God through academics was possible until I came to TEDS,” she says. “I witnessed the evident presence of God through studying theology and counseling; I was moved to learn how God cares for us from age to age and how it was all well-displayed through the Bible, history, text, and our daily lives.”

This impacted Hanbit in other areas of her life. “I took what I learned outside of textbooks (taking the head knowledge to heart knowledge) and deepened it through the way I approach my community at TEDS, church, etc.” It even changed her individual relationships with others! “It encouraged me to be intentional with all individuals I interacted with and meet them where they are. I learned to view them as God’s fearfully and wonderfully made creation.”

Today, Hanbit works as a Licensed Professional Counselor at a Christian practice. Her experience at TEDS amply prepared her for this role, teaching her how to “intentionally integrate the Christian faith into the world of counseling.” She learned how to “deliver encouragement” through the Gospel while providing practical help to those suffering from emotional and mental pain.

At TEDS, Hanbit learned “that Christian counseling is beyond symptom reduction or clinical treatment—it is more so knowing God’s desire to restore and how He wants to walk with us in our intricate pain and suffering.” In her practice, she sits with individuals, couples, and families through counseling sessions with various mental health concerns. “There, I witness the work of the Holy Spirit who writes customized healing stories. It’s an honorable place to be.”

To the donors who made her experience at TEDS possible, Hanbit says, “Your contribution will truly leave a long-lasting impact on a student like me whose life was remarkably changed and empowered through my academic and spiritual training at TEDS. Your donation will help students to stay true to the Gospel which draws them to be obedient to God’s calling and to be commissioned to where God has appointed.”