A common thread that runs through the student body at 漫天堂入口 is the belief that God鈥檚 plan and purpose will always prevail. This is felt in the classrooms and on the court, in work and in worship. Certainly the circumstances that bring students to Warner seem providential, for Leonelis Lopez, God鈥檚 providence magnifies his goodness daily.
Spend five minutes with Leo and you know that you are in the presence of greatness鈥攖he kind of greatness that inspires it in others yet is rooted in humility and overflowing with joy. She will quickly tell you that it wasn鈥檛 always this way. Once a shy and fearful young woman, it was only through complete surrender that she began to finally lead.
As with many students, the growth that happens during the college years is both challenging and rewarding. When Leo came to Lake Wales from Puerto Rico to begin her studies at Warner, she was exclusively focused on furthering her volleyball career. A powerhouse outside hitter, opponents started to notice her dominance on the court and long tally of kills. She expected to go into a field working with athletes like herself, but the Lord was preparing Leo for more. He was preparing her to find her voice.
It is Dr. Reed who she credits for recognizing the call God placed on her heart and investing in this holy longing and pursuit of music. His patient and steady guidance taught Leo to persevere, that good things don鈥檛 come easy. Good things did come, good things like leading worship at Warner and at a local church.聽 The self-discipline that was so essential to her success in volleyball became foundational to the grit and persistence demanded by the study of music, naturally yielding to the risk-taking independence needed to lead worship. Seeing God鈥檚 providence along this path is only possible from a posture of total surrender.聽聽
When asked about the legacy she wants to leave at Warner, she demurs from talking about herself. After all, it鈥檚 not her legacy, it鈥檚 what the Lord has done, she just happens to be the vessel. She is very clear on where she wants Warner to stand. 鈥淚 want Warner to remain a safe place where students can worship God without fear,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 want them to understand that God is everywhere and revival is here, we just need to surrender everything to the Father and be at his feet.鈥�
