I believe God has given this generation many talented and anointed young people who will do great things in His kingdom.
One of my favorite scriptures regarding Esther is in Esther 4:14: “…and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
Alexis Herion is one of the young ladies that I believe God has put in His kingdom “for such a time as this.” I first met her when she was 14. I was immediately impressed with her kind spirit and genuine love for God and people. She is now 19 and has become an amazing young lady.
Alexis is very active in her local church where her father pastors. She plays piano and sings, directs the choir, teaches Sunday school, heads up outreach & bus ministry, and does whatever else needs to be done around the church, all while working and attending college! I am so excited to share a little bit about her today!
Thank you, Alexis, for agreeing to this interview! Tell us a little bit about where you’re from and where you live now.
I was born in the small town of Diggins, Missouri, and lived there until I was 9. Then we evangelized for 3-1/2 years until my dad took a church in Cuba, Missouri. When I was 14, my dad took another church in Auburn, Washington, which is where I live currently.
Tell us about the instruments you play.
I started playing piano in church when I was 13. I also taught myself to play guitar.
What degree are you pursuing in college?
I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington.
I know that being a Christian in a liberal college presents many challenges. What are some of the challenges that you have faced in your time in college?
Although the college I attend is a Christian college, it is still a very liberal atmosphere. I struggle with when to speak up in class to defend my beliefs and knowing when doing so would cause more damage than good. For example, everyone is required to take a Christian religion class. There were MANY times in that class that I didn’t agree with what was being said, but I realized that I wasn’t going to change anyone’s mind by saying something at that point. Instead, I went to my professor’s office and there, I was able to explain a little more of what I believed. I was pleasantly surprised when he was very excited to find out that I was Pentecostal! He had studied Pentecostals and had no idea that we still “existed” or that young people would still be passionate about being Pentecostal.
What advice would you give to any current Christian college students?
~Know what you stand for! If you are in college classes and find yourself all too often questioning what you believe, then maybe you should re-evaluate your decision to attend college. We have a capable adversary, and he knows how to make his lies seem like they make sense.
~Don’t be afraid to speak your opinion. Chances are, there are other students who also disagree with something that was said by a teacher or classmate. Yet, don’t take this to the extreme! You can ruin your testimony/witness by being too argumentative. You MUST use wisdom.
~Build relationships on campus. As professors and classmates come to know you, they will see that you are different from other students. It will become obvious (if you let it!) that church is a part of your life, just by everyday conversations. God will prepare their hearts and open doors for you to be able to witness to them!
Alexis with her family
Excellent advice! You’re also a preacher’s kid, or PK. I know this position can be difficult for a teenager. What are some of the challenges of being a PK?
Before sharing some of the challenges, I want to start by saying that I love being a PK! I think that my parents are the most wonderful pastor and pastor’s wife, and I feel the same way about my church family.
I would say the most difficult part of being a PK is the “dry” seasons of my home church. As I have gotten older, I can see the struggle and attacks that my parents face in these seasons. More than anything, it makes me mad at the devil because I have an awesome church, and I hate to see hard times come.
What advice would you share with any fellow PKs reading this interview?
Love your church! Be involved in everything that you can! While you will definitely feel overwhelmed at times, the rewards outweigh the stress.
Make sure you are backing your parents and not undermining them. When people see that your family is unified, they will want to catch the same vision that you have.
What is your favorite scripture?
My favorite scripture is Philippians 4:7 which says, “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” I tend to worry too much, and this passage reminds me that I don’t have to do so.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
The world we live in is crazy, and God saw fit to rescue me from having to experience all the filth that goes along with not living for Him. I am so thankful to be living the best life for Jesus!
Morgan Sissel, myself, Alexis and my daughter Madilyn