Current HIU student Caitlyn Burns has an extensive Instagram following, her own blog site, and has published a devotional. As a millennial, this may not seem extraordinary, but Caitlyn uses her social media reach for Kingdom purposes, reminding other young women how much God loves them and exhorting them to discover the wonderful plans He has for their life.

Caitlyn began her blog -- “Valued and Esteemed” -- as a college freshman in October of 2015. A year and a half since her initial blog post, Caitlyn continues to share God’s truth online.

"I have always loved encouraging women in their walk with Christ, and I know that God placed that desire in my heart. I never thought that I would start an online ministry, but God had bigger plans than I ever imagined!”

The name of her blog site, Valued and Esteemed, reflects Caitlyn’s passionate belief that these two words poignantly describe how God views his daughters (and sons). The theme verse for her ministry also aligns with the meaning of those words; it comes from Psalm 139:13-14 which says, “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.”

Along with her blog, Caitlyn has written a devotional study book entitled Learning to Trust, inspired by the biblical books Ruth and Esther. Learning to Trust is a 7-week study full of memory verses, scriptures, truth, and personal stories.

Burns is studying to earn her Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Elementary Education. “The professors, staff, and faculty at HIU have greatly encouraged me to pursue God’s calling on my life. They have prayed for me and helped me hone my writing skills which directly benefits my online ministry.”

 “After graduating from HIU, I plan to continue to write, and to further my education by earning a teaching credential,” Burns says of her future.