MSC
MSC Sports
Men's Sports
Football
Soccer
Cross Country
Basketball
Baseball
Tennis
Golf
Outdoor T&F
Women's Sports
Soccer
Volleyball
Cross Country
Basketball
Softball
Tennis
Golf
Outdoor T&F
Coed Sports
Cheerleading
MSC Information
Constitution & By-Laws
Mission
Members
History
Staff
Conference Map
Radio Network
National Champions
Cumberlands senior Heather Rutherford serves both on and off the court.
Cumberlands senior Heather Rutherford serves both on and off the court.
Posted by Jennifer Wake-Floyd - Tue, Nov 27, 2007 - [ Volleyball ] - Viewed 371 times

Not only can University of the Cumberlands senior volleyball captain Heather Rutherford serve it up on the court, she also graciously gives back to the community and her peers.

During the 2006 and 2007 summer months, Heather traveled to Bagdad, Kentucky, which is located between Louisville and Frankfort, in order to work for Crossings Ministries summer camps. She has served as a team-builder, Bible study leader, and waterfront director.

“There was roughly 2400 students that attended Crossings at Cedarmore this past summer,” comments Rutherford. “During a five week period, seventh through twelfth graders attended the camp, while third through sixth grade students visited for one week at the end of the summer.”
 
As a team-builder, Rutherford would take the campers outside and lead them in various outdoor activities. “All of these activities, also known as elements, were used to help the students apply what they were learning in Bible study,” adds Rutherford. The elements stressed communication among one another and included everything from low ropes courses to basic team unity exercises.

Rutherford also led Bible study sessions with some of the female campers. “Bible study was a very unique and intriguing experience for me,” states Rutherford. “It never ceased to amaze me that the concepts God led me to discuss were the same things that He was trying to teach me, as well as the young ladies that I was leading. Honestly, there is nothing better than being given the opportunity to share the most beautiful story in the world to students who need it.

Crossings Ministries is based on a sole verse: John 5:24, which says, “I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.” The camp is designed to help individuals build strong relationships with both one another and with Christ.
 
“One of the most humbling experiences of my life has been working at the camp and watching a student take that step from death into life,” explains Rutherford. “Whether I was teaching Bible study, leading in team-building exercises, or instructing students at the waterfront, I loved being able to interact with the campers and build relationships. Being a former camper, I know the impact a staff member can have on you. It was so amazing to be on the other side of it and be able to hopefully leave a positive impact on the students that I was blessed to interact with.”

 Rutherford, a 5’5” senior from Belfry, Kentucky, wears number 12 for the Patriot Ladies volleyball team and is their starting defensive specialist. She is also involved in numerous organizations on campus, including Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Baptist Campus Ministries, CC Singers, and other outreach and service activities.

Article provided by Kim Hamby, University of the Cumberlands Sports Information Student Assistant
© 2008 Mid-South Conference All rights reserved