Brian Bates enjoys the coziness of his small student body at Damascus Christian Academy, and yet has had the beenfit of world-reaching horizons through participation on mission trips.
The 17-year old Junior has attended Damascus Christian Academy since kindergarten. He states there has been much advantage to being in a small school; there is more one on one education, which he believes allows him to learn more of different subjects than he would at a larger school. They are also close-knit. “Everyone is a friend of one another,” he said.
He has been very active at school, on the varsity basketball team since 7th grade, on the choir since 9th grade and serving on the yearbook staff. Outside of school, Brian raises animals as a member of the Calkins Ag 4-H Club. He regularly attends youth group meetings at Calkins Baptist Church. He also plays soccer.
Last summer he went with the Teen Missions International on a seven week missions trip to the island of Sicily. He helped build a Christian camp for the missions organization, and had chance to do some sightseeing as well.  The experience, he said, broadened is vision of different cultures and way of life. “It helped shaped the way I thought,” he reflected, and showed him areas to improve.
There’s more to come. This summer, Brian is planning on another seven week missions trip with the same organization- to Zambia. The plan is to go from village to village spreading the Gospel to children they meet. About 14 students will be participating, from across the country.
Brian raises his own money for these trips, and has already gathered the support he will need for the Zambia trip.
Although he has a while to decide, he already foresees attending Bob Jones University in South Carolina, to study Elementary Education.
Faith in God is an essential component for Brian. He stated that he was raised in a Christian home and became a Christian at a young age. “This has taught me right from wrong and has guided me since I was a child,” said Brian. He added he looks to the Lord for guidance in all his decisions.
The Honesdale area resident credits his parents, Kay and Bob Bates, for being the greatest example he has had. “They have always been there when I needed help,” he said.
The Wayne Independent highlights an area youth who in some way serves as a good role model, every Wednesday. If you have a suggestion of who we may interview, please call Peter Becker at (570)253-3055 or e-mail pbecker@wayneindependent.com.