Written by Harry Tarrant (Freshman at NHCC)
Many Christians are told to remain faithful in their valleys, but living it out is far easier said than done. Before coming to New Hope Christian College, I thought it would be a better and easier choice compared to staying in Hawaii. I believed the Lord was calling me there because it seemed like the simpler path—but it was far from it. My name is Harry Tarrant. I’m an 18-year-old freshman at New Hope Christian College, pursuing Pastoral Studies.
Before this chapter of my life, I was a high school student at Farrington, located in Kalihi on the island of Oahu, where I’ve lived almost my entire life. I grew up not knowing much about God, though I knew He was someone we prayed to. My family struggled to actively seek the Lord or engage with the community, as we were overwhelmed by ongoing storms and challenges that seemed never-ending.
Being born with a unique hair color and into a broken family shaped much of my early life. My distinct appearance set me apart from my siblings, fueling suspicions and accusations of infidelity within my family. This created deep divides that left lasting scars. My father battled addictions to drugs and alcohol, which often made him violent and abusive. His actions caused emotional, mental, and spiritual wounds in me and my family. My siblings, too, became caught in the cycle of brokenness, turning to smoking and drinking instead of focusing on building a brighter future.
In the midst of these struggles, I became desperate for answers. That desperation turned into prayer—the one thing I felt I could do to make a difference. Although I didn’t yet have a strong relationship with God, I instinctively knew He was the answer, the one who could bring healing to me, my circumstances, and my family. That belief became the foundation of my faith, something I clung to through the hardships.
College wasn’t something I had been excited about, but when I felt the Lord calling me to New Hope Christian College, I began to open my heart to the idea. The hardest part of this season was trusting God with my family as I stepped into a new chapter of life. Despite my fears, I knew this was His plan because He was leading me to a stronger community that would help me grow in my faith—even if it meant being far from my family.
Though college life has its challenges, the workload has been manageable, thanks to the supportive environment and community that surrounds me. It is through this support that I’ve been able to face difficulties and grow in ways I never imagined. Looking back on all the Lord has done for me and how far He has brought me reminds me time and again of His goodness and faithfulness.
I share my story to encourage others: don’t give up in the midst of your storm. Remain faithful and hold onto hope, knowing that what seems far away may be closer than you realize. Even when it feels as though nothing is changing, trust that the Lord is perfecting you. Growth in faith will take you farther than you know. So, even when uncertainty clouds your vision, trust the Lord to guide you—to community, to support, to wisdom, and to success.
