Eighteen-year-old Andrew Sheely has lived in Meridian for most of his life.
But after graduating Meridian High School recently, he made a trip to Nashville, Tenn., for spiritual reasons.
"I went to Nashville seeking leadership training in the hopes that I will be involved with a Christian-based camp in the future," Sheely said.
Sheely said he eventually wants to be involved with a missions camp for teens, and the training in Nashville was crucial to that position.
"I got a first hand look at what it would be like be a staff member at one of these camps," Sheely explained.
During the two-week training, Sheely had to perform certain tasks in preparation for the staff position. Among those was being involved in a prison ministry, a task that Sheely was originally uncertain about.
"Once I began interacting with them on a personal basis, things changed, and I really enjoyed the experience when it was all said and done," he said.
During his time at the training camp, Sheely, who is also musician on the side, was even able to perform his first benefit concert — something that was unexpected for him.
"The worship leader and the missions mobilizer came up with the idea and decided to let me and other girl perform for the benefit,” he said. “It was an awesome experience being in Nashville and being able to perform in front of others."
The proceeds went to a group in Romania — an oppressed country in Eastern Europe. The two raised around $80 for the cause.
Andrew's musical roots began in church as he played in his youth group's praise band.
"Basically all our seniors who played in the band originally graduated, so I had to learn to play guitar,” he said. “I've loved it ever sense."
Sheely will begin college in the fall where he will attend Mississippi College in Clinton. There, he hopes to learn what he'll do professionally. In the meantime, Sheely says he will be getting his basics out of the way.
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