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wo men whose professional lives are very public, joined Columbia International University President Bill Jones in Chapel
on Oct. 29 to discuss living out their Christian faith in the workplace. South Carolina sheriffs Leon Lott of Richland County
and Jim Matthews of Kershaw County both recently had the opportunity to show the community their faith through service after
devastating floods in South Carolina in early October.
Jones interviewed Lott about his experiences during a month that included the flooding and other challenges. But Lott told the
CIU student body that during difficult times, “That’s when we need to be the strongest Christians we can be.”
“That’s not when you run away from your faith, that’s when you rely on your faith,” Lott said.
Lott also acknowledged that seeing those in the community who displayed Christlike behavior during the floods by helping
neighbors and strangers, boosted his own morale.
“People ask me how I made it 72 hours without sleeping,” Lott continued, commenting on the first nights of the flood. “It was
because of the good Christian people helping others.”
Meanwhile, Matthews talked about his professional and spiritual struggles, and how he ultimately has come to see what God has
called him to do: share the gospel through his actions as a law enforcement officer.
“My main goal as sheriff is to not do anything to bring dishonor to the Lord,” Matthews said. “I’m trying to do things now that
affect eternity.”
T
Examples of Christ in
the Workplace
CIU President Dr. Bill Jones (center) is joined in Shortess
Chapel by Kershaw County Sheriff Jim Matthews (left) and
Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott
Sheriffs discuss integration of their vocation and faith
By Michael A. Lanier, CIU Student Writer
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EXAMPLES OF CHRIST IN THE WORKPLACE
CIU Today
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