This column serves as a spotlight, highlighting the everyday people who work and live in Callaway County. The Fulton Sun takes a moment with someone who is not usually featured in the news but is just as instrumental in making our community the strong and beautiful place we all know and love.
Nick Drake has been the pastor at Richland Baptist Church just south of Kingdom City for a little over 7 years. Drake was born in Cresco, Iowa, and graduated from West Hancock High School in Britt, Iowa, before graduating from Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville in 2001. He also graduated with a master's of divinity from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City in 2007.
Drake and his wife, Marsha - who is a 1998 North Callaway High School graduate - met at Northwest Missouri State. The couple have five children - Noah, 16; Levi, 14; Silas, 10; Zoe, 9, and Micah, 6.
Q: What was your first job?
Detasseling corn for Pioneer and working at Godfather's Pizza.
Q: Who inspires you most?
My wife, because I'm amazed at how she presses on. She's a great wife and a great mom; she's compassionate and has a heart for people.
Q: What have you done in your life that has been the most fulfilling?
Being a dad, just because you get to watch your children grow and mature, and accomplish things. There's nothing more fulfilling.
Q: What is something you are proud of that you have been recognized for?
I'm more grateful that I'm recognized as a pastor - it's such a privilege and I love what I do, and the relationships that I have as a result. They come and talk to me about difficult things and spiritual things.
Q: If you can do any job in the world, what would it be?
I would want to be an NBA player, for sure; that's what I grew up wanting to be. Basketball has always been my favorite sport and what I put the most effort into when I was young. It was a childhood dream.
Q: What is a job you wouldn't want to do?
I would not want to be a politician. You would want to do what's right, but there would always be the temptation to compromise for the sake of a vote.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Callaway County?
I love kind of the rural lifestyle and people here are kind. The people are the No. 1 thing - I'm grateful for the relationships I have here.