EMILY RUSSELL school and use their talents to sing God’s praise until only a few days before his death. After he died, I had to find the strength to continue to be the person I was before his illness. I had to continue to praise God and let Him be the leader of my life and Lord of my heart even though my heart was broken. This is a daily “living out” of my faith. I will continue to be a true Christian in front of my school and our community because I know my dad is now singing praise to God at the throne. I know I will see him again and so I have hope.
Activities
Varsity cheerleader, basketball team, softball, Beta Club, Student Council Representative, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Drama Club, Manchester Academy Masters (show choir), Fellowship for Christian Athletes, member of Manchester Academy Ambassadors, Member of Parkview Church of God youth group and adult choir, head of Parkview Church of God youth praise band.
CHANDLER ROGERS Brookhaven Academy First Baptist Church of Brookhaven Favorite Bible Passage “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” – Mark 10:27 I thought for many years that I was saved and would be spending eternity with Jesus. However, last year the night before leaving for a mission trip to La Nariz, Mexico, I was socializing with a group of friends. We began discussing the end of times and the afterlife. I made the statement that I was extremely tired of hearing people talk about being Christians, but not living as a Christian should, except for going to church on Sundays. I had decided that if that was how all of these “Christians” were living, then I wanted no part in that. Later that night a couple of my friends went with me to our youth minister’s house, and I explained to him the feelings of doubt that had crept into my mind. After what seemed to be hours, Mr. Paul made me realize that if I was tired of hypocrites and their actions, then I should be the one to break the mold and step out. That night on my knees I gave my life to the Lord. I am now fully prepared to let Him use me in any way He chooses. Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honor Society, Service Club, and Hunting and Fishing Club. Volunteers with Project Christmas Child, yard work for the sick and elderly and various sports activities for children. Member of First Baptist Church of Brookhaven and leads youth worship services, small prayer groups and served on mission trips. Involved in the Boy Scouts of America for the past 13 years.
Jackson Prep Highlands Presbyterian Church Favorite Bible Passage “But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses so that Christ’s power may dwell within me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9 I will live my life by being more boldly and proudly proclaiming the word of Christ. I recently wrote about how people don’t live their faith intentionally because they are afraid, afraid of what people will say or do. As I make my progression from high school student to college freshmen and later on to working adult, I will always strive to put Christ first in my life. I want people to know me not for what I’ve done, but for who I believe in. I will never be ashamed to tell the world who Christ is and all that He has done for me. When the majority of Christians in the world are being silent, I believe it is up to us, the new generation of Christian leaders, to be louder than ever. After all, shouts are better heard in a quiet room than a room full of chatter. I will always strive to live my life for Christ through my choices in life, my actions, and how I present myself to those I come in contact with.
Activities
Varsity basketball team, Student Council student life committee member, Patriot League. Member of Mu Alpha Theta, National Honors Society and Cum Laude. Volunteers at VBS, youth’s community service days and serves on mission trips.
CHAD SMITH Saint Andrew’s Episcopal School First Baptist Church of Jackson Favorite Bible Passage “But you, man of God, run away from all those things. Instead live in the right way, serve God, have faith, love, patience, and gentleness. Fight the good fight grabbing hold of the life that continues forever” – 1 Timothy 6:11-12 People do not think Christianity should be in schools or in our government, and the sad part is they are winning the debates. I have been devoting myself to studying the bible in some of my free time so that I may be prepared when people try to strike me down. My level of faith is what I pride myself on. At my school there are many people who are not believers in Christianity, and they are very well educated and prepared for any debates that might come up. I plan to radiate my love and walk with Christ in my everyday life so that people will want to have what I have. I am always a happy person and love to share my love of Christ with people whenever I get the chance so that they will be able to feel what I feel in my life and the joy I have for the world. I have gotten so much more knowledgeable with my reading of the Bible and trying hard to keep my memorization of Bible verses. metrochristianliving.com ❘ MARCH 2011 35