Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, April 17, 1990 TAG: 9004160015
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
In January, Linkous started going to night school in Christiansburg to earn the half credit in English he needed for a high school diploma.
He had dropped out of Blacksburg High School in 1971, halfway through his senior year. Hardee's had offered him a management job that was just too good to refuse.
He's been a salesman for 13 years for Marshall Welding Supplies of Dublin, a company owned by his father-in-law. And he preaches the Gospel three nights a week at Brush Arbor Worship Center in Pulaski.
His ministry is one reason he thought he needed a high school diploma. He wants to be trained in counseling and to learn more about child psychology so he can better serve troubled children in his congregation.
Linkous and his wife have two children at Pulaski Middle School, and this is another reason for his returning to school.
"I wanted to show my family, my own children, that Dad can succeed," he said.
His English class, taught by Ruth Fisher, a Christiansburg High teacher, included lessons on writing resumes and job application letters and speaking with correct grammar.
The latter he especially appreciates for his preaching. "You've just got to know what you're saying," Linkous said. "It's good to be led by the Spirit, but it's good to know things in your own flesh."
by CNB