Torch, Spring/Summer 2008

T strategy — a White House “think tank,” if you will. Shiraki served as executive assistant to Pete Wehner, the director of strategic initiatives. He provided Wehner with research, fact-checking, and editing support for op-ed pieces and rebuttals; coordinated senior staff long-term strategy meetings and the president’s conferences with historians and other members of the intellectual community. In the summer of 2007, Shiraki was appointed as the White House liaison to Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders. In this role, he communicated the president’s policies to this constituency and brought its concerns back to the White House. Speaking of George W. Bush, Shiraki said, “It’s funny, I had been to at least a dozen rallies and came so close to meeting him, but never got the chance. A few months into my first job, I met him as he arrived on the South Lawn on his helicopter, Marine One. He asked me what I did and said he appreciated the work I was doing. Since then, I’ve bumped into him in the hallways and at various events. He’s always very cordial … a great person.” Content to stay at the White House, Shiraki was taken a bit off-guard when, in October 2007, he was asked to interview for his current job in health and human services. He couldn’t resist the chance to work for a committed public servant like Troy, travel the country and the world, and be involved in a department that touches the life of every American. And that is what he will continue to do, until it’s time to step down and let a new administration take over. As for the work he is doing, Shiraki gives credit where it is due: “It’s God who opened up this door. I’m so grateful for all I’ve experienced these past two years. Though I know the road ahead will be challenging and full of uncertainties, I’ll keep trusting God and working hard.” Sharyn Kopf enjoys her role as senior writer for public relations at Cedarville. She has worked previously as a newspaper reporter and spent more than seven years as an award-winning radio writer for Focus on the Family. Kopf graduated from Grace College in Indiana with a communications degree. T Spring–Summer 2008 25 Summit www.cedarville.edu/summit June 8–20 During two life-changing weeks, you will learn how to understand ideas and answer major challenges to Christianity. Nationally renowned faculty will answer your questions, help you develop a biblical worldview, and challenge you to become a leader. Students participating in Summit can earn two or three semester hours of college credit. The cost for the two-week program including housing, meals, tuition, lectures, guest speakers, insurance, most outings, and a class picture is $795. (For those who choose the college tuition option, additional tuition fees apply.) “My own son was one of those who came face-to-face with a biblical worldview at the Summit. It was by far one of the most significant conferences he has ever attended. The impact will affect Sean for the rest of his life.” — Josh McDowell Josh McDowell Ministries