The following student report was submitted by Ambassador League Agent Jonathan M. during the 2009-2010 League.
Mission: Tactics - Final Report
Ambassador League has been one of the most rewarding opportunities I have ever encountered. The long-lasting benefits I received far outweighed the hard work involved in the program. Ambassador League challenged me to get involved and actually DO something about current issues in our world today.
Before attending the Student Statesmanship Institute, I had stayed up-to-date on policy issues, but was not overly interested in politics. Attending the SSI summer program changed my whole outlook. I learned first-hand how the government works as well as how I could get involved and make a difference while still a young person. SSI changed my life.
I would like to start out with a couple of thank-yous. First, thanks to my Ambassador League mentor, Mark King, for the great encouragement and advice he has given me along this journey. His Christian testimony and stand for the truth are truly inspiring. I am also very grateful for meeting Mr. Kendall Wingrove during my week at SSI this past summer. I have really enjoyed talking to and getting to know him. His upbeat look at opportunities and ideas spurred me on to the final push in attaining the John Quincy Adams award.
I read three books as part of my Ambassador League assignments. Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris, Roaring Lambs by Bob Briner, and What if Jesus Had Never Been Born? by D. James Kennedy. I enjoyed reading all three, but What if Jesus Had Never Been Born made the greatest impact on me. I had never really considered the world without the influence of Jesus on our history, and Dr. Kennedy did an amazing job showing how crucial the life of Christ was to our world and culture.
The Biblical word studies gave me a greater appreciation for issues relevant to our faith. The study that I learned the most from was the assignment covering God's mercy. Just to think that after everything we have done to alienate ourselves from God, He still loves and provides for us. Doing these word studies also reminded me how inseparable God and the Bible are from politics and our everyday life.
Promoting SSI at the Romeo Area Tea Party was a great success. We were able to let hundreds of people know what SSI is all about and encourage them to send their kids and grandkids to this life-changing program.
Shadowing Senator Alan Sanborn at the Michigan Capitol gave me a entirely new perspective on how lawmakers use their time. I was impressed by how Senator Sanborn works tirelessly to support legislation that gives the power back to the people. I enjoyed meeting his staff and learning how a legislator's office operates.
Writing letters to the editor taught me that when I see a problem I should not merely lament about how terrible and damaging a situation is. I can and should let other people know about my concerns and a letter to the editor can be a very simple and effective way to accomplish that important goal.
The "interview local leaders" part of Ambassador League was enjoyable because it forced me to get out of my comfort zone and talk to individuals I would normally just sit and listen to as a member of an audience. Also, these personal interviews gave me a broad look at the many different fields and interests in which people are involved.
Volunteering was a great experience. Assisting a gubernatorial campaign gave me a different perspective on the behind-the-scenes work involved in running for political office. Helping at Michigan Family Forum, a social-action group, was a eye-opener as to how interest-based organizations operate. Spending time at Banbury Cross Therapeutic Riding Stable gave me a greater appreciation for all the maintenance that goes into a working farm in order to be a help to folks who really need it.
To sum it up, Ambassador League totally changed my outlook on politics. I was reminded how the right worldview and interpretation of the Bible is essential to us as Christians, and I was encouraged by the great people I am meeting along the way.
