Where They Are Now - Paul Strike
In 2010 Paul Strike won the Grant Wheeler Scholarship and headed to Drake. Three years later, Paul continues to run with perseverance, both on the streets of Des Moines and in his life of faith.
As anyone whose been to college knows, the transition from high school can prove to be a challenge. Finding your way around a new city, managing rigorous classes, balancing study and work, meeting new friends and finding a place to fit in can knock you off course. But, Paul kept his eyes on the prize and has his life on track to great things. "I'm a junior music and math major at Drake. But my plan is to become a Pastor," says Strike. "It took me a little while to find my way, but through an awesome community at Riverside Lutheran Bible Camp in Story City, I truly found a godly community of loving, caring, inspired people. Through them God gave me incredible opportunities every week to share His word with hundreds of campers each week."
Paul says he discovered a passion for leading children and teens to discover their talents and learn to work together to learn about the Bible and share it in understandable ways with their friends. He currently serves as a confirmation small group leader for 6th grade boys at Lutheran Church of Hope in Des Moines.
"I'm currently in the process of visiting and researching seminaries. This passion has remained part of me since preparing for a speech at the Good Friday service at Naz my senior year of high school."
Following his graduation from high school Paul completed the Grandma's Marathon in Duluth, MN in a time of 3.08:30. (That's pretty fast)! Finding the time to put in goo miles has been difficult in college. But this May, Paul plans to run the Cleveland Marathon with high school friends. "I will be running... to try to qualify for the Boston Marathon and have really had a fun time doing it. It's wonderful in so many different ways," Strike says. "From the social aspects, to the life lessons learned, to things you learn about yourself, running and faith go hand-in-hand.
Strike adds that along with Scripture, prayer, attending church and keeping a Christ-like mindset, God has used running to refine him into the person he is today. "It makes me kinder, calmer, more loving. Running helps me focus on being more like Christ as I realize both my strengths and my iniquities when I run, not just in the physical, but also in the emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of my life. I can't thank God enough for what He has done for me through this lifelong passion."
We wish Paul the best as he continues to run with perseverance the race marked out for him! Keep your eyes fixed on Him!
Paul Strike (middle, Iowa t-shirt) having fun with his team of counselors at Riverside Lutheran Bible Camp in Story City.
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