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Greg Oliver

Members of Boy Scout Troop 43, sponsored by First Baptist Church of Clemson, present a check for $2,000 to build a well in Zambia. Pictured, from left, are Boy Scouts Kevin Egan, Bobby McGill and Tyler Garland, Cathy Turner, who accepted the check on behalf of Rev. Lonnie Turner, a missionary to Africa, and Rev. Rusty Brock, pastor of First Baptist Church of Clemson.

CLEMSON — When the Rev. Lonnie Turner, a missionary to Africa, recently spoke at First Baptist Church of Clemson, he challenged the congregation to assist the children of Zambia through helping develop water systems and providing items like T-shirts and soccer balls.

Members of Boy Scout Troop 43, sponsored by the church, were so inspired by Turner’s message that they decided to raise $2,000 to construct a well in the republic located in the southern portion of Africa.

Earlier this week, scout members presented a check to Cathy Turner, who accepted on behalf of the missionary, and the Rev. Rusty Brock, pastor of First Baptist.

“It was the response to the need that made this so great,” Turner said of the fund-raising effort by the scout troop. “They decided to be a part of a special solution.”

Benji McGill, assistant scoutmaster for Troop 43, said troop members collected the money with assistance from Dr. Bill Dukes, a local physician. McGill said Dukes has allowed troop members to park cars in the parking lot of his practice during Clemson football season and use the fees collected in any way the troop deems necessary.

In this case, the troops chose to assist in the well construction efforts.

“They agreed it was a worthwhile project,” McGill said.

While water is a major issue in our area, the need is even greater in Zambia, where 12 million live in a tropical climate. Sanitation is also a recurring problem there.

Jim Egan, who is also an assistant scoutmaster, said troop members viewed the project as an opportunity for them to do their part. “They looked at it as an opportunity to help. As a parent and a scoutmaster, that makes me extremely proud.”

Though the ages of Boy Scouts can range from 11-17, the age range of Troop 43 is 16-17 years old. Chad Duggins, Boy Scouts of America District Executive for the area, said the troop’s response is proof that everyone can do their fair share to help others. “When you think about the needs that exist all over the world, if a scout troop from Clemson, S.C. can help someone from around the world, why not?”.

Troop members, such as Bobby McGill, Kevin Egan and Tyler Garland, agreed.

“It’s very rewarding in that we feel the money is going to a worthy cause, and that the people in Zambia will benefit,” Bobby McGill said.

Tyler Garland said he enjoyed knowing that the money being raised would assist the people of Zambia with water sanitation needs. “It will help get water for anything they need to do with it.”

Kevin Egan said water is what the people of Zambia need “to live their everyday lives.”

Cathy Turner said the presentation from Turner, who has served as a Cooperative Baptist Fellowship missionary for 19 years, inspired the congregation as a whole.

“His passion and presentation of the needs stirred people’s hearts,” she said, adding that the church has pledged an additional $4,000 that, along with the $2,000 collected by Troop 43, means three wells can be constructed in Zambia. “We will send the final check before Thanksgiving.”