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INfocus
with Charles Clarkson
Key-Way-Tin Bible Institute Student
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I grew up in Merrit, BC, on the Coldwater Reserve (Thompson First
Nation). My earliest memories are not good ones. What I remember is my
sister and me having to fend for ourselves, sometimes being stuck
outside or looking for enough food to eat.
My sister was like a mother to me because my parents were alcoholic.
It was worse when they were home. I got bruises, and one time my father
threw me through a glass window and my head hit some concrete causing my
handicap.
One day, when I was about six or seven, we got invited into a house
on the way to school. We were scared and nervous, but the lady was kind
to us and even gave us lunch. She wanted to help us and she knew we were
not being treated right, so she took pictures of us to show that we were
in need.
Soon after we moved into her foster home and I stayed there for a
number of years. I know now that God was looking after me. We went to
church for awhile, but then more kids came to stay there, so they were
too busy to take us. But we did learn about the Bible in that home.
I had a hard time in school because I had missed so much, and I got
picked on. But when people thought that I couldn't do something, I
tried hard to prove to them that I could do it.
When I was about 14 I moved to the city of Kamloops to attend a
school for people with disabilities. I studied reading, math,
woodworking, cooking and work experience, and graduated 1987.
In Kamloops several different people helped me to get to know the
Lord and to grow. I helped out at the New Life Mission and the staff
talked to me about the Lord. Also I had neighbours who witnessed to me.
I got a job cleaning a church, and I remember the pastor putting the
keys into my hand. It meant a lot to know that he trusted me that much!
And my special friends, Jim and Glenda, who I lived with for a year,
have helped me so much. They're the ones who got me interested in
going to school at Key-Way-Tin. Also, watching Tribal Trails encouraged
me to go to Bible school.
When I first came to KBI I was scared and nervous. But the staff have
helped me, and are there to talk to me. Even when I am slow, Bible
school has helped me to know that with God I can be strong and faithful.
I've enjoyed going on prison ministry and visiting Native churches.
I enjoy meeting different missionaries who visit our school. I enjoy the
sports at school, too.
I am completing my third year this year, and I'm going to move back
to live with my sister at Coldwater. One of the things I want to do is
see if can do visitation ministry in the seniors hospital there.
Editor's Note: Charles passed away as the result of his
ongoing health difficulties about a year after he shared his testimony
with us.
Click here to meet other
Key-Way-Tin students
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