Steven and Renate Hazel are a dynamic couple with larger-than-life personalities that quickly set them apart – and their story is no different. With over ten years of successful medical-field experience and as leaders in their local church, Steven and Renate had no intentions of leaving the Netherlands. They were securely excelling in their careers, but God began to stir their hearts for more.
Several years ago, at a church worship conference, the Hazel’s connected with Dr. Pete Sanchez (now V.P. for Academic Affairs at TKU). They had never heard anyone speak on worship and God’s presence in the way that he did. As they briefly shared with him their stirring to grow in worship, Dr. Sanchez enthusiastically suggested The King’s University worship program and then he stopped to pray for them.
They had a million reasons to not even consider the idea of attending TKU – children in school, leaders in their church, a home, close family and friends, not to mention Renate had no desire to live in a big city – but God continued to press it on their hearts.
As they continued to pray about TKU over the next year, Steven felt God prompt him to leave his job at the hospital to pursue ministry full-time. It wasn’t long after that God asked Renate to do the same, and they stepped out in trust again. This was a decision that would require their complete trust, and month after month they saw God provide exactly what they needed. Little did they know He was preparing their hearts to trust for something even bigger around the corner.
During a work trip to the states, Steven was able to stop by The King’s University main campus in Southlake, Texas and speak personally with faculty and staff.
“I loved the atmosphere. God’s presence flowed through the building, professors, café…everywhere. It was so evident,” said Steven.
This was the final confirmation that they needed and without further hesitation, they packed their bags and moved their family to Southlake, Texas. Since then, they have seen miracle after miracle of God’s provision – their visas, financial provision, kids adjusting to school and a new language, influential favor, and much more. Steven and Renate both enrolled in the Associate of Worship Leadership program and love what they are learning. Their original plan was to simply come for one semester and take as many hours as possible, learn all they could, and then return to Holland, but their hearts have changed. They are now praying to stay for the entire two-year program and are trusting God to provide for it all. Why not? They’ve seen Him do it before.
“We are living by faith every month, to see how God will provide, but He’s doing just that,” says Renate.
“We want it all. Everything we’ve learned has been amazing. We want more. TKU has brought so much new meaning and impact to our lives since we moved here. It has built up our craft, character and relationship with God to a whole new level,” Steven chimes in.
They hope to study and soak up the culture and DNA that is cultivated at TKU so they can take it back to the Netherlands – to make waves in Europe that breathe the life of God and establish His kingdom on earth.