When I entered the Doctorate of Transformational Leadership (DTL) program at Bakke Graduate University (BGU), I carried a heavy heart. I was weighed down by disappointment and deep questions about why I didn’t see a stronger Christ-centered presence or tangible impact within under-resourced communities—places so full of need, yet also brimming with untapped hope and potential. I longed to see homes and streets restored, and lives uplifted, through the deeply committed and mutually dignifying presence of Christ-followers in the most unlikely places, similar to the prophetic mandate given in Isaiah 58.
In my search, I clung to the promise of Jeremiah 33:3: “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” And through my experience at BGU, I can say with confidence: God answered.
Not only did BGU equip me with biblically grounded principles to engage intimidating political, governmental, and religious systems, but it also gave me the priceless gift of community—a global network of peers who shared my heart and calling. I had a front-row seat to their firsthand accounts of God’s transforming work in their cities, and it stirred something new and courageous in me.
One of the most powerful elements of my BGU journey was the City Immersion. I had the privilege of participating in two 10-day immersions, where I was placed in real-world ministry settings to learn, observe, and reflect. These experiences reshaped my hope and vision. They showed me what it truly looks like to step into communities, not with quick solutions, but with humility, presence, and a readiness to witness God at work.
Those immersions planted seeds that have grown into what we now call Cleveland Urban Immersions and Go & See experiences. This summer, I had the joy of leading a successful Cleveland Urban Immersion and Go & See event that reflected this vision.
Go & See: Building Bridges in Cleveland
While Go & See experiences are shorter and less intensive than full immersions, they carry the same heart. They are Spirit-led encounters that open doors for divine connections that might never happen otherwise. They affirm and honor local leaders, highlighting the faithful and often unseen work they are doing in their neighborhoods. And they ignite fresh vision and passion in participants, inspiring them to love their neighbors well, seek the peace and prosperity of the city (Jeremiah 29:7), and advance the Gospel in tangible ways.
We were able to host an intergenerational group of youth, local pastors and ministry leaders. Together, we visited 3 different sites where unique and intentional ministry is happening right in our city.
The day concluded with a shared meal, prayer, and conversation about what God is doing across Cleveland. It was an inspiring reminder that Kingdom work thrives when we learn from and stand alongside one another.
Youth Immersion
Thirty youth from Hope Christian Church and other Cleveland congregations spent a week in hands-on urban immersion. They worshiped with the Cleveland House of Prayer, learned about neighborhood history through our Clark-Fulton & Stockyards 101 class, worked in the Hope Grows Garden, and partnered with ministries like Bessie’s Angels in East Cleveland and New City Cleveland in the Buckeye neighborhood.
They not only served but also listened and learned—experiencing firsthand the courage and hope of those faithfully serving our city. Watching these young people light up with fresh purpose reminded me why these experiences matter so much: formation happens when we step outside our comfort zones and see God moving in new places.
Why Immersion Still Matters
What I’ve learned—through BGU and through my ongoing experiences in Cleveland —is that immersion is transformative. When people are intentionally placed in spaces where God is already moving, something powerful happens: their eyes are opened, their hearts are stirred, and they begin to see possibilities they never imagined.
These immersive events are not just about tours or service projects. They are about affirmation, connection, and mobilization. They affirm leaders who often labor in obscurity. They create connections across churches and neighborhoods that would not naturally occur. And they mobilize everyday disciples—pastors, youth, and lay leaders alike—to carry the hope of the Gospel into every corner of our city.
Looking Ahead
As we look toward the future, my prayer is that these urban immersions and Go & See experiences will continue to multiply, raising more Kingdom-minded leaders who are deeply rooted in their faith and deeply committed to their neighbors. I want to see more people experience what I encountered through BGU: the clarity, courage, and conviction that comes from stepping into the heart of the city and saying, “Here I am, Lord. Send me.”
For that, I am profoundly grateful to BGU—for the teaching, the relationships, and the vision that now beats at the center of my ministry. The seeds planted during my doctoral journey are bearing fruit right here in Cleveland, and I can’t wait to see how God continues to grow this work.
Dr. Vatreisha Nyemba
BGU Graduate
