When you encounter Amani Seaburn’s joyful countenance, it’s hard to picture the anxious teenager she once was. But there’s a freedom she’s found in Jesus, and she wants the world to know it: “I want people to know that the healing and freedom in the Bible is real, and that Jesus really does heal!”
Originally from Ohio and the eldest of three siblings, Amani grew up in a family who didn’t know Jesus. Her heart sought the love and support of a father. When she was 15, God met her in that tender place. “I was invited to go to church with a friend of mine after having a conversation about the home I grew up in and how I wanted a father to help support me and heal my family. I was so attracted to the lovingkindness that God emanated that I gave my life to Christ in the first church service that I went to.”
Now living in Virginia, Amani is a junior at Life Pacific University East. She says her time there is teaching her the importance of spiritual disciplines for ministry. “Leadership does not start with a position; it starts with a posture of surrender to God and a confidence to partner with Him to do ministry.”
Amani is majoring in Ministry—and it’s clear she has passion and vision for the future: “I am working toward becoming a pastor that focuses on intentional discipleship within the body of Christ so that people can be empowered and trained to go make more disciples in the community and their spheres of influence. The model of house churches is where I would want to start.”
Ministry-Minded
Even though she’s still a student, Amani isn’t waiting until graduation to dive into ministry. She currently disciples a student from Radford University through one-on-one mentoring. “She wanted help to grow closer to Jesus,” Amani explains simply. This kind of campus-based ministry is a passion for Amani, who served with Chi Alpha Campus Ministries at Virginia Tech for two years, evangelizing and discipling other college students. “Through their prayer meetings, I had experienced a lot of healing and freedom in my walk with Christ, and my prayer life for myself and others had been strengthened.”
Serving at her church is also a joy to Amani. Currently planted at The Bridge Foursquare Church in Christiansburg, VA, pastored by Will and Juniece (MA ’23) Fillingham, Amani has served in multiple areas, including worship team and children’s ministry (she loves working with children). Amani is eager to speak life and encouragement to other believers whenever she can. “I have occasionally given an encouraging word after receiving permission from spiritual leaders,” she adds excitedly.
Others-centric in her focus, Amani’s original dream was to be a missionary teacher in a remote village in Alaska. She now sees her recent trip to Alaska as “a way to get me to dream more with the Lord.”
This freedom to dream big was affirmed by God’s miraculous work of healing in her life: “The Lord healed me completely of my anxiety and depression this past February (2025), and I have not needed medication for it since.” It was a miracle that followed years of prayer, counseling, and doctors’ advice. Now, her heart is drawn to those who need that same healing. “I have a heart for those who have gone through mental health struggles and trauma, and would love to be a part of a healing ministry.”
Equipped at LPU
Amani knew she needed training for this kind of ministry—and that’s what led her to the Christiansburg campus of LPU. “I chose to come to LPU because I wanted to grow into being a well-rounded, emotionally healthy spiritual leader who points others to Christ.”
Looking ahead, Amani hopes to continue discipling others and equipping them to live out the Great Commission. She sees her journey at LPU as preparation to carry out a calling much like Sister Aimee’s vision for interdenominational and worldwide evangelism: “I have a heart for ministries of all denominations to work together to reach their individual cities. I also know that I am called to the ministry of marriage, family, and motherhood. I really have a heart to take care of other people and help them feel supported, seen, loved, and heard.”
She’s faithfully praying and believing for her family to know the same love and freedom she is blessed to enjoy every day. “While my family has yet to believe in Jesus as their Lord and Savior, my God is actively moving in the hearts of my family to draw them closer to Jesus and be saved.”
Her intercession comes from a place of gaining a revelation of God’s grace, and a life-changing LIFE lesson: “That I do not have to work or strive to receive God’s love and favor, but that it has already been made available to me through Christ. It is also important to meditate on that fact daily and moment by moment so that I keep Christ at the center.”
Amani’s testimony is clear, and her life bears witness: God heals, God restores, and God calls ‘ordinary’ students to extraordinary purpose.
Amani Seaburn resides in Christiansburg, VA, where she likes to munch on Miss Vickie’s Salt and Vinegar Kettle Chips while watching musicals or underdog-story movies. She also dabbles in laser tag, and refreshes her soul by walking in the grass and marveling at God’s creation (especially the beautiful LPU East campus).
If you’d like to support students like Amani, visit https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/LPUgive25 or text “LPUgive25” to 71777.
