"I love my family," said Andrew Brock of Lilburn, Georgia. "I have always thought of my parents as tremendous role models. They always push me to be my best.
"Probably the biggest joy growing up was getting to lead my little brother Asa by example," said Andrew, now a student at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. "The biggest challenge still continues to be learning how to love and not judge first."
Andrew values a community that holds him accountable, especially his Mountain Park United Methodist Church family in Stone Mountain, Georgia.
"My mom has worked in a church all my life," he said. "I have been lucky enough to have valuable church family that extends beyond my home church. It is, ultimately, these connections and this sense of 'home' that has supported me in the process toward reaching my goals."
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| Andrew Brock eating a cookie with Rev. Jack Hinnen at Samford Wesley Christmas Party. |
Receiving a Gift of Hope Scholarship, made possible by gifts on United Methodist Student Day, changed Andrew's life by easing worry, he said, "about struggling to pay for school."
Your gifts on United Methodist Student Day, enables The United Methodist Church to supports the Gift of Hope Scholarship so that students can prepare for life in uniting faith with knowledge.
He credits Samford with preparing him for the business world by offering real-life experience. "Because we have smaller class sizes," he said, "I am able to apply what I learn."
While in school, Andrew attends Trinity United Methodist Church in Homewood, Alabama. He shared his faith on campus by co-founding a Wesley Fellowship at Samford. He also serves on the Samford Recruitment Team that hosts prospective families.
"The church should support United Methodist Student Day," Andrew said, "because it is important to believe in and support the next generation of leaders.
"I take my faith and values really seriously," he added. "I am passionate about doing something I am called to do, something with integrity that serves God and others."
Barbara Dunlap-Berg, freelance writer and editor, retired from UMCom
One of six churchwide Special Sundays with offerings of The United Methodist Church, United Methodist Student Day calls the church to support students as they prepare for life in uniting faith with knowledge. The special offering provides scholarships for qualified United Methodist applicants.
When you give generously on United Methodist Student Day, you support students as they prepare for life in uniting faith with knowledge. Give now.
