Jacob’s initial calling to ministry can be traced If asked who he owes his success to, Jacob’s initial back to his freshman year of high school. On a cold answer is God before all. He has witnessed the Lord’s November night, Jacob found himself over at a friend’s providential care, keeping him on the path of security, house. The backyard pool had slightly frozen over, but always working toward success. A close second is Jacob’s wasn’t enough to halut the force of Jacob slipping and mother. Although his parents divorced when Jacob crashing into the water. Hunter was in fifth grade, above the first recalls losing consciousness pain he remembers his mother's "To whom be glory for ever followed by a keen awareness that perseverance that instilled an he was drowning. Jacob remembers unshakable work ethic, driving and ever. Amen." feeling completely helpless, waiting Hunter to perform to the best Galatians 1:5 to die. Then suddenly, someone of his abilities in college and in miraculously pulled him out before life. Jacob’s mother went out of he took on too much water. Jacob her way to not only supply his had known others who drowned and his experience left basic needs, but to provide a sense of security so her him wondering why God had saved him. This near death sons could focus on their studies and sports rather than experience gave Jacob a new perspective; he had woken worry about where their next meal would come from. up to God’s plan. Throughout his current ministry, Hunter equates his diploma to a thank you note for his Jacob uses this story in his testimony, a platform to reach mother in honor of her perseverance. others who are drowning and need saving. Currently, Jacob is furthering his education at He describes being a ministry chaplain as an utter Georgetown University studying cyber security. This blessing. His job on paper is to have a comforting, career choice gives Jacob a chance to use his criminal spiritual presence in dorms around campus. But his justice degree while immersing himself in opportunities daily pleasures center around connecting with fellow to minister to his colleagues. Although Jacob’s four year athletes who are struggling with their faith or life’s journey at Chowan was not what he initially anticipated, problems. Jacob enjoys simply being present for his his legacy is a testament that though his plans changed, peers in their time of need. His strength is his ability God’s appointed path leaded him through hardships to to listen and perpetuate healing. He also recognizes that clarity and a purpose driven life. Without his dream his relationship with his peers is a sacred one; many at five years old to play collegiate football, Jacob would students feel more comfortable talking to Jacob, a fellow never have found himself on the turf in Garrison student, rather than a faculty or staff member. Hunter’s stadium. Chowan University quenched Jacob’s football journey as a ministry chaplain at Chowan gave him the aspirations and gave him a new thirst to further Christ’s opportunity to touch students’ lives as well as have a kingdom through ministry. more grounded, interpersonal relationship with himself. Jacob’s personal approach to ministry is to give a blend of scriptural and logical counsel, providing a balance of religious and personal advice. But his basis is the Bible, both for his ministry and his life. Jacob’s life verse is Galatians 1:5 where the Bible encourages believers to give glory to God in all things. This reference has given Jacob the capacity to appreciate his struggles as well as his successes; they all had influential roles in molding Jacob into the best version of himself, the man God wants him to be. For Jacob, the struggle validates the success, the best rewards are earned, and the trials make him stronger. Similarly, the story of Samson is one Jacob frequently returns to. It reminds him that there is strength in knowing his limits and even greater strength in trusting God’s omnipotence. At Georgetown University
35 | T H E C H O WA N O K A | Fall 2020 2019
