Michigan—Chad Higgins wanted to serve as a student missionary because he desired to give of his time and talents, and to lead a more purpose-filled life. The question was, where? Chad, a member of the Metropolitan Church in Plymouth, Mich., was encouraged by his parents, Ellen and Bruce Higgins, to go to Palau where Chad’s grandfather, Ed Higgins, served as academy principal. However, Chad was not sure.

While attending Southern Adventist University during the 2003–2004 school year, Chad and his classmate, Jeremy Micheff, were looking at a wall map of the world. Jeremy pointed to Palau and said, “I’m going there to be a student missionary … way out there!” Chad could not believe his eyes or ears and exclaimed, “You’re going to Palau? My grandfather is the principal there!” Jeremy then said that his cousin, Jason Micheff, was also going to Palau. That sealed it. Chad was going, too.

The 2004–2005 school year found Chad teaching 16–18 fourth graders at Palau Mission School. While “standing in front of those kids day-in and day-out,” Chad realized what a great responsibility he was carrying. Chad declared, “This was not like being a counselor at camp. These kids were looking at me as their Christian example all the time.” The text, “Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly” (James 3:1 NIV), kept coming to his mind, and he knew this was no trivial task. Chad realized he must live what he believed and needed an even closer walk with Jesus to enable him to stand under the pressure.

In Palau, Chad learned lessons no book could teach. He feels he has grown in Christian character. As he continues his education at Andrews University, he realizes that no matter what path he chooses in this life, he must totally depend on Christ to succeed.

Joy Hyde, Metropolitan Church correspondent