Q. How did you first learn about the GOAL program and what about the program most appealed to you?

A. I learned about the goal program while at church one day. I was looking for a non-traditional program that would allow me to work full time and receive an education. After looking at the curriculum I realized that this was the perfect program for me in that the classes were all of interest to me. I like organization and leadership skills and the program fulfilled both for me.

Q. What did you enjoy most about your time in GOAL?

A. The classes were organized in such a way that we studied one course and then went on to the next one. This allowed us to focus on one course at a time instead of having multiple courses thrown at us. Also the entire class bonded as friends and we supported and encouraged each other.

Q. What influenced your decision to participate in LAMP?

A. I wanted to continue my education with a master 's degree.I called Greenville College and found the LAMP program,which fulfilled all my needs. The courses were perfect for me and everything fell into place.The staff at Greenville College was awesome and took care of my every need. I also spent time in prayer about the program and knew that God had led me to LAMP.

Q.What did you like most about LAMP?

A. The LAMP program was structured similar to the GOAL program, in that one can attend courses and work full time.Also the diversity of the class made it the perfect learning environment. Over the course of study, we considered the views of all denominations and then looked at what the Bible said. It was an eye opener for many of the class. This experience of the class aided in the learning process. Since I was new to theology,and in classes with experienced pastors and lay ministers, I found some of the work tough at first, but I slowly caught up.

Q.What was your job at the time of your involvement in GOAL/LAMP?

A. When I began the goal program, I was a patrolman working for the Centralia Police Department. About half way through the LAMP program a promotional test was given and I scored very high.I was promoted to sergeant even though the odds were stacked against me.My GOAL/LAMP education is what got me promoted.The new experience and knowledge I gained placed me high on the promotional list.

Q.How did your career focus change during these two programs?

A. My career focus was on bettering the Centralia Police Department while I was in the GOAL program. I also knew I wanted more education and was just seeing a small part of what was available.I wanted to learn and enjoyed reading and studying for the first time in my life. When I entered the LAMP program I found a new yearning to do more in my life. I wanted to transform peoples' lives with service and the Gospel.The LAMP program gave me what I needed to lead and function in the ministry field. So many opportunities presented themselves. All I had to do was step through and begin a completely new adventure. I felt like I was just starting to live at 41 years old and had a completely new outlook on life with a new sense of adventure…