The following student report was submitted by Ambassador League Agent David H. during the 2008-2009 League.
Mission: Tactics - Final Report
As I look back on this past year, it is impossible to miss the giant role that the Ambassador League has played in my life. This program has pushed me to new heights and has critically impacted my thinking. I have met new people, been to unfamiliar places, and learned more about God’s incredible Word.
I have gained a new close friend through the Ambassador League. Kendall Wingrove is a press secretary for the Michigan Senate Republicans and agreed to become my League mentor last summer. His willingness to teach and my eagerness to learn quickly became strong factors in completing this program.
Kendall was instrumental in setting up visits to the Michigan Legislature and reviewing my assignments. His knowledge about Michigan politics and writing were valuable skills to have in a mentor. This past year has been so wonderful thanks to his dedication and friendship.
Through the League, I have had the opportunity to meet several of Michigan’s finest citizens. The interviews were an integral part of the program and I am thankful for the people who allowed me to talk with them.
The first person I interviewed was Russ Mawby, the former CEO of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Mr. Mawby invited me to his home where we talked for nearly two hours and he focused on the importance of giving through talents or money. Secondly, I interviewed Brad Snavely, the director of Michigan Family Forum. My third interview was the highlight of my League experience. Dick DeVos invited me to his Grand Rapids office for an exclusive conversation. We spent the next hour discussing the importance of Christian principles.
I also interviewed Harold Voorhees, who has been elected to several state and local offices. Mr. Voorhees allowed me to accompany him to several meetings and a ribbon cutting ceremony. Lastly, I interviewed a local businessman, Tim Long, who works in the financial sector. The interviews were a chance to sit down with several different people and talk one-on-one with them about their lives and their knowledge.
The Ambassador League also challenged me to take on new settings and places. Through Kendall Wingrove, I spent a day in Lansing job shadowing Senator Mark Jansen. The February morning began early when Senator Jansen picked me up in Grand Rapids and took me to the Capitol. While in Lansing, I completed the Ambassador League requirements regarding legislative session and committee meetings. I attended a committee hearing that dealt with the issue of statewide adoptions and found it to be very informative and necessary.
I visited Senator Jansen’s office, sat in on a few meetings, went to a couple of luncheons, and accompanied him to a special dinner sponsored by Habitat for Humanity. This was a very rewarding day, which turned into an even bigger event when the senator agreed to let me be his intern throughout the winter and spring. For the next few months, I traveled weekly to Lansing for my internship in Senator Jansen’s office.
I went to many new places when completing assignments. One such location was a courtroom. I had never witnessed the judicial system in action until joining the Ambassador League. I was very impressed with the orderliness of the court proceedings. The experience was so fascinating to me and I hope to return again to witness the judicial process. I also attended a Kent County Commissioners meeting with Harold Voorhees. I enjoyed the formality of these meetings and learning how local municipalities operate.
Volunteering has always been an interest. When I saw the Ambassador League had three different volunteer requirements, I was very excited. My first volunteer experience came when I tutored at a local elementary school. Working with young students was something I will never forget. The joy I received from the time spent with the students was incredible.
I also volunteered at the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies. As a Hauenstein intern, I worked on research for event planning and promoting the center around the Grand Valley State University campus. In December 2008, I had the privilege of accompanying the group's management team to Washington D.C. for a conference the center hosted. This internship was very unique because it allowed me to learn more about history while teaching me how to plan and run events. I also met many important figures from the Grand Rapids area as well as some nationally known authors and speakers.
During the 2008 election, I volunteered in several ways. The joined my mentor, Kendall Wingrove, to distribute literature for a Michigan House candidate in Grand Rapids neighborhoods. I also helped with the U.S. Senate campaign as well as the presidential race. The "48 hour push" before Election Day is a very intense and exciting time and I really enjoyed making those last minute phone calls to potential voters. During my volunteer efforts, I was even followed and interviewed by a Grand Rapids news reporter as I went door-to-door.
The Ambassador League isn't just about allowing you to become more exposed to other people and public policy debates. The league also pushes you to learn more about God’s Word and grow spiritually. Over the course of the program I completed eleven Biblical word study essays, including topics such as justice, homosexuality, and the sanctity of life and marriage. These Bible studies helped me better understand the love and justice of Jesus Christ. In searching the scriptures, I learned how clearly God tells us the right and wrong stance on these important issues.
In addition to the Biblical studies, I also completed three book reports on God's Politician by Garth Lean, Roaring Lambs by Bob Briner, and What if Jesus Had Never Been Born? by D. James Kennedy. What if Jesus Had Never Been Born? was a very thought-provoking book dealing with a lot of "what ifs." The author made it clear that this world would be eternally lost if Jesus Christ had not born and died for the forgiveness of our sins.
During this year long program, I have completed assignments which have changed my outlook on life. It has allowed me to understand the potential inside of me. Before I began the Ambassador League, I used to think I was too young to play a role in shaping the future of this world. Now I understand that age is no limit. This realization has given me a boost of energy as I work to stay involved.
Everything which has happened in my life over the past year and a half is in some way connected with the Student Statesmanship Institute and Ambassador League. SSI has given me the contacts and personal drive to accomplish many things. I thank God in Heaven for SSI, a wonderful organization, and pray that I will be strengthened in my ambassadorship for Christ.
