CRYSTAL LAKE, IL (December 6, 2001) – Father’s Day tributes are sometimes written by children on a humorous card.
For Pastor Rick Hampton of Hope Covenant Church, it was a tribute from his son via the Internet that will thrust the minister into the national spotlight, albeit only for a few moments.
On January 4, Hampton will be a torchbearer for the torch relay run preceding the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. He will run a portion of a 25-mile stretch of road in Chicago along with dozens of others who were nominated by friends, family and co-workers. He and his wife, Marci, recently attended a special ESPN Zone event that was part of a celebration highlighting the second annual Mayor Daley Holiday Sports Festival in Chicago (accompanying photo).
Scott, a junior at the University of Washington, was checking the Internet for information on how to volunteer for the Winter Olympics when he stumbled across a contest that allowed browsers to nominate individuals for the torchbearer honor.
Scott, a junior at the University of Washington, was checking the Internet for information on how to volunteer for the Winter Olympics when he stumbled across a contest that allowed browsers to nominate individuals for the torchbearer honor.
“My father is my hero,” Scott wrote in nominating his dad, who has served as a Covenant pastor for 18 years. “He grew up under tough circumstances and during a rugged childhood, basically raising himself and his younger brother. In college, he became actively involved in Young Life and led high school students in Young Life Club for many years. While in college, he felt the call to become a pastor, so he graduated from San Diego State University and went on to North Park (Theological) Seminary, where he was ordained. He has a gift of charisma and strength of character that is founded on integrity. His gift is love and he gives it freely.”
To Scott, the choice of his father was a natural one, both because of his character and his competitive spirit. They used to watch the Olympics together. Pastor Hampton also was in regular attendance at numerous sports events and a constant aid to Scott as he pursued three sports at Crystal Lake South High School.
“When I saw it (the contest), he was the first person I thought of,” said Scott. “He’s been such a strength to me – I’ve seen him go through so many times in his life, both good and bad, and gone through it stronger. I don’t remember a whole lot of what I said because you only got 100 words. But in my life he’s been my father and my best friend. And I feel like he’s touched other peoples’ lives as well, both through ministry and being a friend.”
Rick and Marci Hampton grew up in Northern California and have served churches in Arizona, Washington and Illinois. They have three children, including Shannon, who played volleyball at North Park University, and the youngest of the trio, Katie, who currently attends North Park. Hampton is more into golfing and racquet sports these days, but he says he will run his leg of the torch relay and fondly remember his son all the way.
“I am now just discovering what all of this means,” Hampton said. “I found out in July that I was nominated and was asked not to tell anyone about the honor until September. When we first got the notice, we thought it was a scam. For the longest time we didn’t know who nominated me.
“I feel very privileged for the opportunity,” he continued. “For my son to think of me and nominate me, and then to be chosen, as January 4 gets closer there’s a growing sense of privilege.”
Copyright © 2011 The Evangelical Covenant Church.