FAITH IN PRACTICE: Adamsville's Tucker Campbell

ADAMSVILLE – Many individuals have the fear of speaking in front of people. And when you are speaking in a church about God, that fear can be elevated.

For Adamsville senior basketball player Tucker Campbell, speaking in the church is what he feels is his next step in his faith journey.

"I see myself speaking more at church," he said. "I have done devotionals, but I want to add to that."

There is another outreach within the church that Campbell is also interested in.

"Most of my family and friends of the family have done mission work," Campbell said. "I want to do a mission journey. I am unsure whether that day is soon or in the future, but I think that is also a next step. Instead of preaching locally, to go out and preach."

Campbell has a good understanding of God as he grew up in the church and currently attends Stantonville Church of Christ.

"I grew up Church of Christ, and my dad preached some in Michie," Campbell said. "One thing God means to me is Father. We have been studying a lot about that in Bible class. He is an overseer, kind of like a guidance counselor. He is our heavenly Father and that is why you want to be obedient to Him."

His decision to get baptized is a time when Campbell felt the full presence of God in his life.

"A year at church camp, I had been thinking about getting baptized," Campbell said. "I had been talking with a counselor that I was really close with. We talked about what it means to live life with God and to have a relationship with Jesus. It was then that I knew that I wanted to be baptized and have Him wash my sins away. I knew then that God was in my life and that he was looking out for me."

Faith is not just something that happens in the church building for Campbell. He believes that his faith translates into other parts of his life.

"I believe our faith translates onto the basketball court and everyday life," he said. "How you live is a reflection of God. We are His creation, and as Christians, the way we act should reflect our religion, our faith."

Those actions do not have to be elaborate. They can be simple.

"I think those actions are simple conversations," Campbell said. "If someone is having a bad day or upset, you can talk to them and try to brighten their day. I try to answer questions people have the best way I can. I try not to be negative, but be positive and a good example to others."

Campbell's favorite verse is a common one, but he sees a deeper meaning.

"A lot of people use Philippians 4:13 out of context," he said. "It is not like anybody can do all things. There are some things that are impossible. Paul says this while in prison, and he is going through trials. He knows though that whatever comes, God is with him."

Michael Odom, 425-9754

Tucker Campbell's favorite verse

Philippians 4:13 -- I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.