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Amy Simmons - 2005

Semester at Sea? What is it? What does it have to do with anyone in Coleman? Well, it has a lot to do with a very beautiful and highly intelligent young Coleman woman, Amy Simmons daughter of Jerry and Brenda Simmons and a sister to Jayce Simmons.  Let’s start back away.  Amy Simmons 20, is confined to a wheel chair having been in an accident back in November ‘02 which injured her spine to the point that she has been unable to walk.  However, there is no stopping this young woman who believes with all her heart she will walk again and has plans to continue serving the Lord for as long as He spares her.  Her faith is indomitable and by the experiences she has had, one can only say, “She is right! God is on her side!”  This year she will begin college as a junior, not on campus, but on a boat traveling around the world.  It will be a challenge.  Simmons has faced many challenges.  One of her challenges was when she decided to go to Africa during this past summer on mission work.  When asked about it, she said, “There were many, many challenges but God saw me through every one.  For example, the time I was trying to wheel my chair in the sand that was everywhere.  I was growing so discouraged because it (my chair) wouldn’t move.  Then suddenly, in front was a small African child looking me in such an awesome way.  I held my arms out and the child came into them and I felt the presence of God close by.  I was stopped there at that place by God, so that I might witness love to that child.”  We could go on and on of her experiences and triumphants but space does not allow.  So, we will talk about Bruce R. Burrow, President of B&G Energy Corporation from Spring Field, Oregon.

Burrow was visiting close friends Sammy and Lou Ann Pate in Coleman one weekend and went with them to the First Baptist Church.  This could have happened any weekend, but it happened on the weekend that Amy Simmons sat in her wheelchair before the church asking for their support and prayers, (which she received) for her mission trip to Africa.  Her approach and faith touched Burrow.  Never having met her face to face but after reading more about her in an article in the Coleman paper, he decided he wanted to do something for her.  Burrow approached her (by phone) about the Semester at Sea program, which is a, “Study abroad program designed to incorporate a global semester sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh.  The Academic program is reviewed in its entirety with all faculty and courses approved through the respective College of Arts and Sciences.  The shipboard curriculum provides a series of insights into various cultures and societies.  Classes meet daily while at sea and provide classroom context as on a ‘traditional land campus.’  The maximum academic load permitted is 15 credits.”  Simmons will receive 12 hours of credit while on the trip.

Burrow has two daughters about the age of Simmons.  One daughter has finished a Semester at Sea and the other will take the trip this spring.  Burrow determined, after talking with Simmons and her parents, (he still has never met any of the family personally), that she was truly interested.  He made the necessary arrangements for her to do this through the B&G Company and the Estate of his mother, Josephine Worsham Moore.  “It is in honor of my mother Josephine, that I am doing this and to also encourage Amy as she plans for her future.”  Simmons says, “I don’t know what the Lord has in store for me.  But, whatever it is I want to do and be in the center of His will.  None of this has been easy on any of us, at times it is frustrating but we cannot and will not lose faith.  We have come too far as a family and we continue to grow in strength each time we face a challenge.”  Then, with a beautiful smile and twinkle in her eye she added softly, “Those challenges can come pretty often!”

Time out of the classroom will also be provided as she goes by sea to South Korea, Japan, Shanghai, PRC, Hong Kong, Vietnam, India, Kenya, South Africa, Brazil, Venezuela and then to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.  At various places she will be allowed to leave the ship for personal use of her time.  It is breathtaking to think of what all Simmons will see and still be getting college credits toward a degree.  Laughingly, Simmons says, “They tell us to bring one empty bag so that it can be filled with items we want to bring back.  Still, I have to have clothes for the various climates we will encounter, my medicines, shampoos, make-up, shoes etc.  So much to think about and prepare for at times it seems overwhelming but it will all work out.  I’ll be ready!  I thank God for the opportunity brought about through Bruce Burrow wanting to honor his mother in this way.”  Now you have the story of “Semester at Sea”!  There is a saying that might apply here, “God’s time clock is never wrong!”  What do you think?”  Simmons will be sending periodical updates which will be put on the Local News site of the Colemannews.com, the Coleman Democrat-Voice and KSTA.