Friday, March 12, 2010
Student Statesmanship Institute

What Others Say...

"I want to take this opportunity to congratulate your office on its dedication to educating Michigan's youth. SSI is a wonderful program as well as a tremendous opportunity for young people to learn about our system of government. The growth of your program is a tribute to the valuable objectives of SSI. Thank you for the hard work and dedication that goes into planning a program such as the Student Statesmanship Institute." - Michigan Lt. Governor Dick Posthumus

"The speakers were excellent, and they touched upon areas that were close to home. Close enough to make a difference in how I thought, acted and felt about life, or to give me the reassurance that I am doing the right things, and the battle is well fought. This all happened in one week." - Michael E., SSI alumnus

"Being with these young people for the week as a chaperone really reinforces my faith in God's sovereignty and grace as He can be clearly seen at work in them. What a great program. Thank you for your vision and dedication." - Paul Moxon, SSI parent & chaperone.

"It was also one of the most exciting programs I have ever participated in... SSI was a life-changing and wonderful experience that I would recommend to every "future leader" of America." - Theresa S., SSI alumna

Cultivating Desire

Discovering God's design, purpose, calling and destiny!

"Starting at SSI, I could feel where my calling was, that every person has a destiny. Those words always stay on my mind, and I appreciate you for getting through to my brain." - Hannah R., SSI alumna

"Once I took hold of the fact that I have a destiny and God is in charge of that destiny, it was a truly life changing experience." - Jonathan W., SSI alumnus

"I'm not quite sure how to phrase this, but the simple fact that all of you spent time putting SSI together is probably the greatest testimony that God has planned a destiny for each of us." - Jennie C., SSI alumna

Applying Truth

Discovering that to accomplish this mission, they must be fully submitted to His will, and develop and model a comprehensive Biblical worldview, applying God's eternal truths to every area of life.

"At SSI, I was forced to do many things that I had never, or rarely, done before. These things were very challenging. Each of these experiences helped me to develop character and to grow spiritually. I learned more than I ever could have imagined possible." - Rebekkah H., SSI alumna

"SSI really energized me to become an active Christian Statesman in my community. The concept of returning Biblical values to a world that is heading in the opposite direction was my motivation to become involved in politics. I see myself as an Ambassador for Christ towards kids at school and even to professors at school. God knows we could use some Ambassadors for Christ in the political arena. SSI is the true definition of a meaningful Christian camp." -Jonathan W., SSI alumnus

"This is the best hands-on government class I have ever witnessed. Participation in SSI should be made mandatory for all high school students." - State Representative Clark Bisbee

Imparting Knowledge

Discovering that Biblical truth is relevant for our everyday world and not confined only to personal spiritual matters.

"SSI 2001 was so much greater than I had ever expected. From the challenging classes to the inspirational speakers, SSI's program was perfect. The combination of government experience with biblical worldview training and good fellowship was the best I've ever seen! The government part of SSI was certainly instrumental to the program, but even more important was the biblical worldview training." - Sam B., SSI alumnus

"I learned a lot about the government, passing bills, the Capitol, press conferences, debate, studying bills, etc,. but I also realized that God has a place in all of those things and in every area of my life." - Shanel B., SSI alumna

Inspiring Young People to be Godly Leaders in Their Generation

Discovering that they are ambassadors for Christ with the awesome and exciting responsibility and mission of representing Him to the world.

".you don't have to become a pastor or missionary to be in the ministry. God can use police officers and businessmen, pastors and politicians. SSI challenged me to take on the world for Christ, and gave me the knowledge and experience that will help me succeed." - Sam B., SSI alumnus

"It's amazing the doors the Lord opens. I didn't even consider media. [SSI] has been amazing and really made me consider a career in producing or corresponding. I liked writing, but I didn't know how to use it. SSI really taught me to listen to what God has in store for me. One person can make a difference. " - Beth V., SSI alumna & intern at Fox Network News

"I'm not just going to watch all the bad things that happen in the world and do nothing. My proactive attitude was sparked by SSI. It gave me a much needed feeling that I need to be involved. Now I am interested in being more active in my future. I'm just eagerly waiting to see what opportunities come my way." - Hannah R., SSI alumna & Senator, James Madison College at MSU

And More...

"My daughter attended the SSI program at Bethany. I had to gently nudge her to go, but not push her. By the time she rode home with us on Friday night, she could not stop talking about her experience. She felt she learned so much. Her abilities were affirmed, which was very important for her because she travels in the shadow of a very capable older brother. She made comments like "It was so good to be with kids who were thinking", "This is a very important ministry for our future, more important than...", "I would rather go to SSI camp this summer than regular camp", and "I understand why [my friend] gets into this kind of thing now." I was thrilled for her. So, yesterday, we mailed in her camp registration forms.

"From my perspective, I liked the way you allowed the kids to make all kinds of arguments for and against. I liked the freedom and respect you gave them. I noticed that it seemed to be important to you to connect with them and I noted that in your newsletter too. This was also a great way for me to see what SSI was all about before sending my daughter away for a week." - Cristie D., OnSite parent on sending her child to summer program, June 2007