We shared lunch with The Rev. Rob Sturdy, the St. Alban’s Chaplain at The Citadel. His ability to connect the Gospel to the hearts of young people is the greatest I have ever witnessed. Last fall he accompanied 80 Cadets to Bluffton for a spiritual retreat, worshiping with our Church that Sunday morning. As Rob shared over lunch, it was the greatest retreat he has ever been a part of, and our Church played a large role.

As many of you know, I am particularly close to many of the 2020 graduating Seniors here in Bluffton. I call them “My Kids” because I care for them like they are my own. Many will begin their new season of life by heading off to college this fall: Clemson, Furman, Kentucky, USC, COC, Charleston Southern, Tennessee to name a few. It will be hard for me, hard to see them leave. Yet I feel incredibly hopeful because so many have a relationship with Christ, and, whether here or away, they will never be alone. As I sat across the table from Rob, sitting next to John, I felt great excitement and a calming peace knowing that his family and our Church have raised him up for a time such as this. With each of those in the Class of 2020, we have imprinted something that is spiritual and therefore will last forever!