Brandon Lyles, class of 2000, is grateful for the launching pad that Maranatha was for his life. His time at Maranatha taught him to “throw caution to the wind” when it came to giving room for God to move and to not be so stuck to his own plans and expectations for what should be and what should happen next.

Much of this stemmed from Deb Larson, Brandon’s Bible teacher at the time, giving room for students to experience God. Brandon believes that Maranatha does an excellent job towing that line between academics and spiritual focus. Both are seen as important, and both are given proper emphasis.

Following high school at Maranatha, Brandon attended music college and eventually helped launch Go Ministries with Pastor Steve Munds. Fast forward several years, and Brandon and his wife Heidi have become lead pastors of Living Word Northwest in Rogers, Minnesota. Brandon is excited about where he is, taking it one day at a time while enjoying being where God has him and his family.

One of Brandon’s favorite memories from his time at Maranatha was when he and one of his friends were junior escorts for Homecoming. They got to skip class in order to attend rehearsal, and after rehearsal was over, “[...] we just never came back,” Brandon laughed. “We like went to Wendy’s or something.” Although Brandon did have fun with his time at Maranatha, he honestly does believe what he learned are invaluable lessons that he will always carry with him.

When asked what he appreciates most about MCA, Brandon said he appreciates the diversity of thought, race, and life experience. “I think it challenges the kids in many ways.” Brandon also rests easy knowing that his three kids who currently attend MCA aren’t just well looked after, but are truly cared for by their teachers. He knows that any of his kids could go to any of their teachers and be welcomed and listened to. To him, that’s priceless and something you can’t find at every school.

Reflecting on Maranatha and its role in his life, and now his kids’ lives, Brandon said, “I think what they [Maranatha] has is this understanding that, yes, we want to give them [students] every tool in the toolbox to succeed and make a living, to be an asset to society and the economy and the church. But, you know, life happens, and if they have no spiritual fortitude to support all that knowledge, then they’re just like a rich person who has no friends.” Brandon believes that if students can really tap into all that Maranatha has to offer, they will be set for life not just academically but spiritually, and they will build their house upon the rock.