Dear Friends,
I am continually thankful for all your support over the last two plus years and have treasured your prayers, phone calls, and e-mails. Today however, I have a urgent request of you all that needs your prayer and attention. But before I get to my request let me share some quick good news in relation to the need…
My Navy Chaplain Candidate Paperwork is done and under the most amazing circumstances. The Navy had defined some my needed references as “Licensed Ministers that are not Ordained yet”. Well first of all trying to find someone who fall in this category is next to impossible because most people are usually both or neither. Then add to this requirement that fact they have to know me well enough to write a recommendation letter on my behalf to the Navy. Oh and did I mention that I needed three such letters for my Navy package.
Thankfully I was able to find the first two pretty readily. The third letter was however proving illusive. Having exhausted my phone log of people to call I went to school to talk to a staff member I knew who might fit the bill. He, as it turned out was over qualified, but as I talked to him about my need we passed through the restroom to get water for his coffeepot. Now back out in the hallway we picked up one of my old professors in the conversation as Jeremy comes bounding out of the bathroom and says, “Hey, forgive me for overhearing, but I am a Licensed Minister that is not Ordained yet and I know you.” Isn’t it amazing how the Lord orchestrates all things. So… this just leaves the matter of a Physical Fitness Test left to be taken tomorrow at 1300. Once PFT is done then the paperwork will be reviewed and sent in for a decision as to my future in the Navy.
With the next semester just two weeks away and there is still a great need. As I conveyed in past newsletters we were convicted not to take any more student loans and to truly relying on the Lord to provide. Well, on a positive note I have been awarded a $1500 scholarship for each of the next to two semesters and I have asked the church to contribute with donation of $500 a semester for the next to two semesters for which the school has a matching grant for. If that happens this leaves $2000 a semester to keep school moving forward.
The big picture issue here is that everything here is geared around me being a full-time college student; from my income, to my schedule, to the Navy who expects me to graduate by May of 2009. My request is that you all pray with me that all will be fulfilled according to His will. But more specifically pray for the PFT tomorrow, for the Navy to accept my paperwork and me in the next month, and that the funds needed will come in as soon as possible. Furthermore I ask that you might pray about what you might be able to do financially above and beyond your normal contribution in this situation. I covet your prayers. May God richly bless each and every one of you.

Gratefully, Clifford Hammond

Because time is short,
Please send your tuition donation checks
either to me directly or make them payable to:
Columbia International University
c/o Accounting Dept.
P.O. Box 3122
Columbia, SC 29230-3122
Important Note: Make sure to include my name and student ID# 111625 on the check.
Also donations towards tuition are NOT tax deductible.

P.S. If you know anyone who would be willing to make a one time contribution to this cause feel free to send this request to them.

You can contact Cliff directly at:
803-407-4368 or malachichapterthree@yahoo.com