Page 13 - Clearwater Christian College 2003

Starting from scratch, it

took the team just three days to

complete a log cabin for “Camp

Challenge.” According to Dr.

Bruce Hamilton, pastor of

Hamilton Acres Baptist Church,

the team’s efforts placed the

camp two to three years ahead

of schedule.

Fourteen year

old Michael T.

Herring was part

of the college team. In his letter

to raise support, Michael wrote, "1

make a great 'go-fer.' My best

qualification is my willing heart."

nearly two years prior to the

trip, Dr. Gary Smith received a

call from a friend in search of a

mentor for her son. "The Lord

just spoke to me at that very mo­

ment," said Dr. Smith. "I'll do it,"

he replied. He began to meet

with Michael once a week at In­

dian Rocks Christian School.

Dr. Smith took an interest in

the boy's life and began spending

time fishing and golfing with him,

among other activities. As a re­

sult, Michael began to set goals

for himself, and his name ap­

peared on the honor roll six out

of six times.

When Dr. Smith approached

Michael about the opportunity to

minister in Alaska, he immedi­

ately said he wanted to go.

Michael raised $1600 and came

every Wednesday evening to prac­

tice songs with the team.

"The kid had tremendous po­

tential but needed someone to be

an accountability partner," said

Dr. Smith. Michael is now in high

school and participating in an

early graduation program. As a

high school freshman, he is on

the varsity golf team.

Of Alaska, Michael said, " I

may not ever be an official pastor

or missionary, but anyone can

serve the Lord! It isn't always in

a spotlight- and can be very dirty,

but even for a short-term commit­

ment, God is able to do a lot

through us! We are already plan­

Chris and Adam m inister Torrey Mullins leads the ning next year!"

at Hamilton Acres Baptist muddy, trek to camp. Chal­

Church in Fairbanks. The team lenged by road conditions, the

had prepared many songs be­ team offered to bring in lumber

fore heading north. Chris, also, plank by plank on four-wheelers

was given the opportunity to in order to complete the cabin.

preach— in North Pole, AK.