Ministers offer advice to 2009 graduates

As graduation approaches for many high school seniors, several local ministers have offered advice to the young men and women who will one day be the future leaders of Eufaula.

When asked by The Tribune to share some wisdom with these young scholars, one of the most common suggestions was to “continue to seek out God’s purpose for their lives” as Dave Burgess of First Presbyterian Church put it.

But each minister who responded also offered their own unique bit of counsel as well.

Burgess pointed out to Eufaulians that the young people of Eufaula are more than just future leaders.

“Many people will say that the youth are our future,” said Burgess.  “While this is true, they are very much our present as well.”

The greatest goal in life should always be service, he added, reminding graduates to “keep the faith, share hope and give love” as they pursue what lies ahead of them.

James Griffin, who is pastor of Mount Olive Baptist Church as well as a counselor at Eufaula High School, said there is a “higher calling that inspires us deep within…to fulfill our purpose.”

Read more on this story in the midweek edition of The Tribune avaliable Tuesday, May 19.