The following student report was submitted by Ambassador League Agent Elizabeth D. during the 2008-2009 League.
Mission: Tactics - Ambassdaor League Final Report
The Ambassador League has been a variety of new and untried experiences for me. From the Biblical studies to the interviews, I have been stretched in many new and different ways.
The books that I read, while sometimes dry and occasionally a little too informative, were always relevant and worthwhile to have read. Out of the books, I enjoyed 'Roaring Lambs' the most, because I do believe we need to be salt in our workplace and the world around us. The field of study I’m looking into, Art, is clearly lacking in Christian influence. After reading Roaring Lambs I see the need for Christian artists, and am looking forward to that pursuit. I also learned quite a bit from the other books, such as 'Do Hard Things.' Even young people can change the world if we let God work through us. The Biblical Word studies were interesting for me, considering I have never before attempted an entire Bible study on just one idea. Learning what the Bible says about these very real issues in the world today was really cool and informative. It also taught me to go to God's Word before I make an assumption about something that is very important.
The 'Observing' portion of the Ambassador League was most informative. I had never been exposed to a legislative session, local trial or a city commissioners meeting. I learned the typical proceedings of some of Michigan’s courts, which was interesting. I very much enjoyed shadowing a local leader, who was also my mentor: Alison Keilen. Shadowing Alison allowed me the opportunity to observe where she worked and what she does. I was glad to help out with some tasks around her office. For 'Taking Action' in my league work, I wrote letters to the editors, interviewed local leaders and volunteered for a non-profit organization, social action organization and political campaign. After writing letters to the editor, it was always interesting having people stop me to share their thoughts regarding what I wrote. Doing the interviews was great, from learning what the leaders did to how they got where they are right at present. Last but not least, volunteering. I think volunteering had to be one of my favorite projects in the Ambassador League, because I could get in there with the workers and help out. Sometimes it was difficult to see progress, but it was good to know I could still make a difference in helping with some small task that someone else wouldn't have to do. I volunteered at the Beacon of Hope, Red Cross, Tim Fair’s political campaign and SSI. I now know better how each of these organizations (or campaigns) work.
I am very grateful for the time and good advice of my mentor, Alison Keilen. I'm thankful to have had the opportunity to complete the Ambassador League, for everything I was exposed to and learned along the way. I would highly recommend the Ambassador League to any young person, as it has helped teach me to look at current issues and the world around me with a Biblical view.
