This week I have had the privilege of meeting with some of God's special servants. Being with individuals who have a service mentality is inspirational and motivating.
First, I met with Ken McClure. Ken has spent most of his adult life in government service. He was director of budget research for the Missouri Senate, was a judge on the Missouri Public Service Commission, chief of staff for Governor Matt Blunt, and now serves as an Vice-President for administrative services at Missouri State University. In addition to those occupations, Ken is a strong Christian who continues to serve his Lord on a daily basis.
Second, I met with Dr. Mike Nietzel, president of Missouri State University. Dr. Nietzel is leading Missouri's second largest university to even greater heights. I shared my vision of MOHELA's Kindergarten program and requested that he provide scholarships for individuals who go through this program and graduate from high school. He readily agreed to do this.
Thirdly, I met again with Dr. Arthur Mallory, who continues to have great impact, not only on my life, but also the lives of all who come in contact with him. Arthur began the Parents as Teachers program that is now in every state and several foreign countries. He continues to underscore the impact this program has on the children and parents who are part of the program. All the research underscores what happens when children are brought up in this program. As a former president of Missouri State University, Commissioner of Education, and president of the Missouri Baptist Convention, he brings great ideas into every conversation. He is one of my heroes.
Fourthly, I spent Friday evening at the Ameristar Casino in St. Charles. I was not there to gamble, but to help honor a great servant who leads a great service program in St. Charles. I can't remember all the things in which Ed Watkins has had a hand; however, there are many. He helped in the building of the Highway 370 corridor which runs from I 270 to I 70 at Mid-Rivers, here in St. Charles. He started Sports St. Charles, been involved in EDC, Partners for Progress, helped raise funds for the 10,000 seat Family Arena, the Hyland Sports Arena at Lindenwood University, helped me in the building of Christian High School, sang with Sue and me in One Accord, built the Baseball Camp for hearing impaired children that brought such great baseball folks to the camp as Stan Musial, Red Schoendienst, Lou Brock, Bob Gibson, Ozzie Smith, Joe Torre, and football hall of famer, Roger Wehrli. Ed is a great servant.
I spent all day Saturday announcing four high school all-star baseball games at Lindenwood. When the day was over, I was bushed, but thankful I could still do something like the announcing and be in the presence of folks like Ken, Mike, Arthur, and Ed. I am a blessed person
