Mike Hamilton shares newest passion with Carson-Newman students

^{Blood:Water Mission President Mike Hamilton talks with C-N students during a campus chapel service. Hamilton encouraged students to go and make a difference in the world.}

Carson-Newman hosted Mike Hamilton, president of engagement for Blood: Water Mission, for a December 4 chapel. Hamilton shared with students the story of Blood: Water Mission and how he got involved to make a difference.

Founded by Grammy-award winning band, Jars of Clay, Blood:Water Mission is an organization that helps African tribes receive clean water as well as helping with the HIV/AIDS crisis they face. Their goal is to promote community awareness and raise funds to bring water filters to communities where there is no clean water. “You’re never too young to create change or be on a mission,” declared Hamilton. “You have to ask yourself, what is your Ethiopia?”

Hamilton served as the University of Tennessee’s athletics director for 8 years. He joined Blood:Water Mission in 2009 after adopting three children, including a daughter with HIV from Ethiopia.

Dr. Chad Hartsock, C-N associate professor of religion, says that Hamilton’s visit helps expose students to opportunities for outreach.

“The goal is that by bringing these organizations in, students will go out after they graduate, inspired to make a difference.” said Hartsock, who serves on C-N’s worship planning team. “We want to give students outlets to get involved. This is our attempt to get students to look outside of Jefferson City at the bigger picture.”