A last-minute snag nearly kept one eager Jerusalem student from coming to America, but thanks to the efforts of U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.), Louis Shakkour and his sponsor Dan Whorton were able to get the materials they needed to make the 17-year-old's dream come true.

"Things like this are the true rewards of public service," Rahall said. "Being able to lend a person a helping hand, whether through a phone call or a letter or a discussion with my colleagues around the world-that makes it all worth it."

Shakkour was scheduled to fly to America to begin his college career at Liberty University on July 14, but as the date approached, he and Whorton found themselves still waiting for the student visa Shakkour had been told would arrive well ahead of their departure time. On the day of the scheduled flight, Whorton and Mike White of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes called on the Congressman for help. A few hours later, Shakkour had his visa and was on his way to the United States.

"It just took someone to push them along and the Congressman was able to do that," White said. "In 14 hours they had what they needed."

Shakkour was "discovered" on the basketball courts in downtown Jerusalem. Playing a pick-up game with students doing missionary work in the area, Shakkour, a Christian, was later introduced by the members of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes to White and Whorton, who took him under their wing.

Shakkour began classes at Liberty last month and is supporting his education by working at the school. He also has aspirations, not surprisingly, to walk-onto the Flames basketball squad.