Faith On Every Corner_July 2017_CR

Faith
On Every Corner
Everyday People Making A Difference
Karin & Johnnie White
Food and Fellowship
by Karen Ruhl
July 2017
Stories of
Faith and
Service
Featuring:
Porch
Ministry
Vicki & Willie
Williams
Glen (Bud) and Joy Deck
Welcome Table
by Craig Ruhl
Ted Rhoads
Coffee Is On!
by Craig Ruhl
The Ujifusa Family
Serving Together
by Karen Ruhl
Danny Hamrick
A Faith Story
by Karen Ruhl
Brad Shehan
Stainless Ministries Outreach
by Karen Ruhl
Mary Hall Edwards
Be A Voice 4 Kids
by Karen Ruhl
Who Was Serving Whom?
Craig Ruhl

“Can’t You Just See God’s Hand In The Making Of These Mountains?” said Betty.
On our first trip to interview a couple for this magazine,
we drove from North Carolina into Tennessee
on the I-240. We saw an overview and Craig wanted
to stop to rest his eyes for awhile. I was perfectly
happy since I had views that I could photograph.
As I walked over to the vista point, I said hello to
two ladies who were sitting there. I continued on
and was taking the above photo when Betty walked
up to me and said, “Can’t you just see God’s hand
in the making of these mountains?” She went
on to say, “I can see him dipping down into the
sand and letting it drip from his hands forming the
peaks.” The visual was so powerful that I asked if I
could use it in this issue of the magazine. She was
thrilled. So, Betty, this is for you.
As we continued to chat, she asked about the
magazine and I described our mission. She and her
niece were sitting at the roadside stop because they
had picked up a piece of metal in their tire. They
were waiting for a wrecker, so we had plenty of
time to talk!
I had a cooler in the car and offered them a cold
drink. The ladies continued to ask me about the
magazine and were genuinely excited for us.
After a few minutes of conversation, Betty remembered
her nephew. She had not been in touch with
him for awhile but said he started a food ministry
after leaving a career as a guard in the prison. She
mentioned his name and said that the last she heard
he was feeding thousands of families monthly. I was
excited! I asked if she would pass along my phone
number to her nephew and tell him I would like to
talk to him. She said she would. I asked if she knew
where he had his ministry and she said, “Yes,
Rutherford County, NC.” Rutherford County,
the very county we live in. It was a true God
appointment.
I said my good byes, gave hugs and prayed for
travel mercies for their trip.
A few weeks went by and I had not heard from
Betty or her nephew. I do, however, love to tell
the story about our God appointment. During an
interview with Vicki from the Porch Ministry (in
this issue), I told her about the story and she said,
I know who you are talking about!
I contacted the man and the article on the Stainless
Ministry is also appearing in this issue. We sure
serve a Mighty God! Amen!
1

Table of Contents
The Ujifusa Family Page 5
Serving Together
Danny Hamrick Page 7
Pastor, Gilkey Baptist Church
Glen (Bud) and Joy Deck Page 9
Welcome Table
Devotion Page 12
Vicki & Willie Williams Page 13
Back Porch Ministry
Who was serving whom? Page 17
Karin & Johnny White Page 19
A Passion for Food and Fellowship
Dan Shehan Page 23
Stainless Ministry
Ted Rhoads Page 25
Coffee Is On!
Mary Hall Edwards Page 27
Be A Voice 4 Kids
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2

Letter from the Editor,
Welcome to Faith On Every Corner, a digital magazine covering
stories of faith and service. The magazine will also introduce you to
some of the small towns in America we visit to interview our guests.
We have been so blessed to be able to interview passionate people
who want to serve God and help others.
One thing we found in common with all of our interviewees was a
true humbleness. They didn’t ask for any recognition, they serve with
quiet faith. They always acknowledge God and the others that serve
beside them.
In this issue, you will read about a couple who have raised their
children to know and love God. The children are exceptionally
talented and have been taught to serve others all of their lives.
You will also read about a man who started a food ministry that
quickly grew to serve hundreds of families monthly.
Another story, shows the power of breaking bread with others.
Sharing their love of Christ in the community right on their porch and
sharing the power of testimonies to lift up those around them.
We have learned to be still and let God take control while working
on this issue. I was determined to get the first issue out on July 1st,
God on the other hand, had more he wanted in the first issue! It is
humbling to work on this as a ministry to serve God.
We had to make some changes before we could take on this ministry.
We wanted to be able to focus on the task at hand and be available to
“move about the country” as we find stories. Craig and I have been
in many conversations over the years where we said we would love to
be able to serve God all day long. We are blessed beyond measure as
we once again start a new Faith Journey doing just that. Please join us
in prayer as you read through the stories. We hope you find hope and
encouragement along the way.
We look forward to sharing stories every month. Please email us your
story ideas to FaithOnEveryCorner@gmail.com.
Thank you and God Bless You and Yours,
Karen Ruhl, Publisher and Executive Director
karenruhl12@gmail.com
3

Faith On Every Corner
Publisher & Editor in Chief: Karen Ruhl
Senior Editor & Business Manager: Craig Ruhl
Photography: Karen Ruhl
Writers: Craig Ruhl, Karen Ruhl
Advertising: Craig Ruhl
Email: FaithOnEveryCorner@gmail.com
Phone: 828-305-8571
www.FaithOnEveryCorner.com
©Copyright Faith On Every Corner 2017.
All rights reserved.
4

A Family In Service
Meet the Ujifusa Family
The Ujifusa’s are a family of five, Dave and Anne
and their three children, two daughters and one
son, Emma, Daniel, and Sarah. Dave was born in
Hollywood, California, his parents were both born
in the United States and both sets of grandparents
came from Japan in the early 1900’s. Anne was born
in England. Dave and Anne met in Madrid, Spain
in 1991 where Dave was working as a computer
programmer for Proctor and Gamble and Anne
was working as an English teacher for a private
language school that taught mainly business people.
Anne also worked in the city mission as a volunteer
with homeless people serving coffee and giving
support while they were looking for jobs. They met
in a Spanish speaking church and married in 1996.
Their first daughter, Emma, has just completed her
freshman year at Pepperdine University – where
she is studying music Education as a voice major.
Daniel will be a senior at Foothill High School
next year. His passion is music and he belongs to
the Madrigals Choir. Sarah who also loves singing,
will be in the 8th grade this fall at Hewes Middle
School. All 3 children have sung in all of the
children and teen choirs at Trinity.
Dave grew up believing in the Bible and living as
a Christian. He started attending Trinity United
Presbyterian Church at seven years old and has been
there ever since, apart from when living overseas.
Anne grew up attending a Methodist church but it
wasn’t until she was visiting Israel at age 19 with
a group from her University that she really understood
that God loved her and Jesus died for her. She
committed her life to God at that point.
5

She has been a part of many different denominations
depending on where she lived, and chose
to attend whatever local church seemed to be
lively and Bible believing. Anne moved to Tustin,
California where she was married to Dave in 1996.
They lived in the area for a year before moving to
Munich and then Barcelona for 6 ½ years. They
moved back to Tustin and consider this their home.
They consider Trinity their home church.
Dave and Anne have tried to teach their
children about service to others from an early age.
“It is easy to become entitled and
lose sight of the difficulties facing
some families while growing up in
Orange County, CA,” said Anne,
“When Sarah was two years old, we
started helping at the South West
Community Center in Costa Mesa,
serving breakfast to homeless
people on a Saturday morning every
couple of months. We made a friend
through this ministry who ended up
living on our driveway in his van for
a couple of months. We did not have
a room available in the house for him
to sleep in but he did become a part of our family
because of that experience.”
The Ujifusa’s have participated in the Holiday
Basket Ministry at their church. “We visited with
a family for many years and took them a basket of
food, a bible, and gifts at Christmas,” says Anne.
The family has lived in a one room studio, one
bedroom apartment, motel, and even a garage one
winter. One nice benefit of taking baskets to the
same family each year is that they have formed a
lasting relationship.
The children have
always been active in
serving at Vacation Bible
School, Gopher Gultch,
(a small camp for 1st and
2nd graders), and as Camp
Counselors when they
became old enough.
Emma’s High School
Recital with private
voice teacher
Daniel as Mr. Beaver
in Narnia
The Ujifusa family has participated in building
houses in Mexico. Dave and Emma first went about
five years ago and came back so excited about the
building and the people they met. Anne went along
one year and they served together as a whole
family. Since then, Dave and at least one or more
of the children have gone each year. The house
build is a year-long project. They raise money
during the year from yard sales and a letter to
friends asking for help with the money needed to
buy the materials for the house build. Then on a
Friday everyone goes with others from their church
down to Tijuana, Mexico.
The build starts on Saturday
morning and by Sunday lunch
time the house is completed.
The family receiving the home
also helps with the build and the
volunteers get a chance to get to
know them.
The children have always been
involved with their parents
in service. “I remember one
Thanksgiving when we invited
26 people for a meal in our small
apartment in Munich. It was essentially for our
home group and a couple of other people came.
Emma was less than 2 years old and made one guy
feel so welcome he ended up joining our weekly
Bible study and becoming a Christian,” said Anne.
When asked if she has any suggestions for getting
children involved in service projects, Anne said, “I
would tell other families to just get involved. Start
small scale if you are not confident and see what
your children can handle.”
Dave and Anne are ordained Deacons. Dave
served on the Board of Deacons at Trinity United
Presbyterian Church from 2007 to 2009 and was
the President of the Deacon Board in 2009. Anne
is currently serving as a Deacon on the Disabilities
Team.
The Ujifusa family is a great example of how the
entire family can be involved in ministry and truly
walk the walk.
6

After Danny’s shift, he went in to talk to his boss
again. His boss told him that he supported his
decision to go to school and much to Danny’s
surprise, had a collection from his coworkers to
present to Danny. This was a blessing, and only
one of many he would receive during this time.
Danny attended seminary, having a long commute
from home to school. He wasn’t sure how he was
going to pay for school, but had great faith in God.
He had to pay as he learned with payments due at
the end of each semester.
Receiving The Call
A Man Of Faith
Danny is a Preacher at Gilkey Baptist Church in
Gilkey, North Carolina. His story of faith is
inspiring.
Years ago, Danny was in a different place in life,
he was not going to church, and was living in the
world. One night, he had a visitor. When he
answered his front door, he found his visitor was a
Preacher. He really didn’t want to let him in, but did
so reluctantly. They sat and talked for quite some
time and, while listening to the Preacher, Danny
was led to Christ. His life was changed forever that
night.
One day, he was driving to school on the last day
of a semester. He was almost out of gas, he knew
he could make it to school, but wasn’t sure how he
would get home. As he continued to drive, he was
also aware that his payment for the semester was
due that night and he didn’t have the money to pay
it. He thought his schooling might come to
an end. While walking to his class, one of his
Professors stopped him and gave him a check.
Danny asked what it was for and the Professor said,
“I don’t know, but God told me to give you this
check today.” He used the money to pay his fee and
had $10.00 left which he used for gas to get home.
Danny was ordained as a Pastor on June 11, 2016.
He served as a Youth Minister before becoming
the Senior Pastor at Gilkey Baptist Church, a small
rural church in Rutherford County, North
Carolina. Last year, more than 30 people were
brought to Christ at Gilkey Baptist.
Pastor Danny, his wife and daughter are a blessing
to their community.
Danny married Shannon in 2010, they have a
beautiful daughter Emily.
One day, Danny was called into ministry. He was
working at Timkin and went in to talk to his boss.
He told his boss he was called to go to school and
become a Preacher. He told his boss that he would
give him plenty of time to replace him. His boss
told him to go to work and to see him later.
7

Early in our journey to interview people for this
magazine, we made a side visited to Roan
Mountain. This small mountain community in
Tennessee has a population of 1,360. We only saw
a couple of businesses that were still in operation.
One active business stood on the corner and has the
above sign on its building. Craig and I both smiled
as we saw a great photo for Faith On Every Corner.
While taking the photo, Kerry Buchanan, owner of
Southern Appalachian Motorsports, came out to see
if he could help us. He was very friendly and as we
told him about our new ministry, he shared his faith
with us. Kerry is a strong believer and is patriotic.
The verse on the sign is one he truly believes in.
We talked to Kerry for a short time but left knowing
that he is a true example of Faith on Every Corner.
Looking For A Speaker?
Would you like to have Karen or Craig Ruhl speak to your church or civic organization? We at
Faith On Every Corner love to share our stories, testimonies, and thoughts in person as well as
through our magazine. For more information, please contact Craig at craigruhl@gmail.com or
by calling (828) 305-8571. These are a few of our favorite topics:
A Faith Journey After Age 50
Faith On Every Corner
Leading A Prayerful Life

Welcome Table - Feeding the Community
Glen (Bud) and Joy Deck
The Welcome Table program, simply put, is a
concept of feeding anyone in the community who
would like a good meal. It originated from the
Methodist Givens Estates in Asheville, NC. In
September of 2013, First United Methodist Church
in Rutherfordton, NC (FUMC) became the 12th
church in the Western North Carolina Conference
to host a Welcome Table. Glen “Bud” Deck was
asked by the church members to spearhead the
program and oversee the local program. Cheryl
Wallen, Life Ministries Administrator at the
Givens Estates, later met with Bud and other
church members to explain the Welcome Table
concept and gave them valuable information about
how other churches were involved. Bud then
contacted other local churches and held several
meetings to ask them to help support the program.
Emily Yelton, another leader at the church,
researched free meal programs in the area and
discovered that Monday night was an “open” day
for food ministry programs.
There are currently 5 to 6 local churches of different
denominations who share preparing and
serving the weekly meal. Each church is responsible
for purchasing the food, preparation, cooking, and
serving for their assigned monthly meal. Bud set
up a rotation schedule that has each church
responsible for one meal each month. All the meals
are prepared in the kitchen and served in the
Fellowship Center at FUMC. Bud prepared a
manual entitled “Operating the Welcome Table,”
and created and installed the necessary forms and
procedures to ensure the smooth operation of
the program. He is responsible for coordination
between the participating churches.
Programs that serve meals to the hungry are time
and labor intensive. There is management, inventory,
the process of setting up the tables, place
settings, signage, kitchen preparation, and cleaning
it all up afterward. Every Monday morning,
volunteers Emily Yelton, Nanette Edwards, Joy
Deck, and Naomi Yelton get the tables ready with
center displays, table numbers, salt, pepper, prayer
request cards, napkins, and utensils.
9

Bud Deck does the kitchen setup, plate count, glasses,
towels, aprons, chafing racks and Sterno, speaker
system, organizes the parking area, and puts out
the Welcome Table signs. Vickie Thompson leads
in the Kitchen when FUMC does the cooking. Bud
praises all the volunteers from FUMC as well as
those from the participating area churches: Billy
Honeycutt and Nell Bovender of First
Baptist Church, Rutherfordton; David Wilkie of
First Baptist Church, Forest City; and Mike
DeLorenzo and Linda Bailey of St. Francis
Episcopal Church. Each participating church is
responsible for the purchase of the food, preparation,
and serving the meals on their assigned
Monday. Meals are free to the community. First
United Methodist Church receives money from
individual donations and grant requests, regardless
of the church doing the meals, and applies
the funds to the costs of the program.
Community neighbors start to come in each Monday
between 3:30 and 4:00 pm for coffee, tea, water,
and to get their favorite seat. The meal is served
from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm but set-up, food preparation,
and clean up are from 9:00 am until 8:00 pm.
The community neighbors and volunteers enjoy
meeting new friends and sharing with one another
during this time. Bud says, “Welcome Table is a
dine in only program which allows us to get to
know our neighbors and help them in other ways
when possible.” Once per month, Smith Drugs of
Forest City, NC arrives at 4:00 pm to take blood
pressure, discuss medical needs, and each fall,
administer flu shots.
In 2016, the average Monday night Welcome Table
counted 140 Community Neighbors and 190 meals
served with the help of 23 volunteers. It is of special
interest that the meals are not served on paper
or plastic plates. Real dinnerware and flatware are
used. At Christmas, the program provides special
treat bags for each household consisting of ham,
green beans, macaroni, bread, cookies, and candy.
This past Christmas, bags were provided to 90
households.
Bud Deck and his wife, Joy, have been in involved
in community service most of their adult lives. Bud
was instrumental in starting the Welcome Table in
Rutherfordton. He and Joy continue to be weekly
volunteers in that program. In 2010, they became
members of First United Methodist Church in
Rutherfordton, North Carolina. Prior to that they
had a home in Jamestown, North Carolina and
were very active members of the United Methodist
Church there. However, there is much more to the
story!
Joy is a lifelong member of the United Methodist
Church. Bud was a member of Calvary Baptist
Church for 22 years until they were married in
1962 when he joined the United Methodist Church.
Since their marriage, Joy has been actively involved
with the United Methodist Women, having served
as President and Vice President of circles, units,
and District Officer. Over the years, Joy has served
on many committees and missions for the United
Methodist Women. She has also volunteered with
the Friendship Club, an after school youth program
at FUMC.
Vicki preparing dinner (above)
Joy helping prepare the food for Welcome Table
10

Bud and Joy Deck are living the FUMC’s stated
vision and purpose of Sharing Christ’s Light to
Main Street and Beyond . Bud explains, “There is
nothing special about us or the way we go about
trying to help others. If we see a need, we attempt
to help, whenever possible. We try to evaluate any
requests before we offer assistance, either through
an organization or an individual need. Joy and I ask
for God’s help and guidance before taking action.”
Welcome Table guests take turns going up for the food.
There is a food line, dessert, and drink line.
Bud has been a member of numerous professional
boards and has volunteered as Chairman of the
Board of Trustees for Jamestown Library, Vice-
President of Finance for Historic Society of Jamestown,
on the board of directors Jamestown Civitan
Club, and Chairman of Jamestown ABC Commission.
Bud has served his church as a leader and
member of many committees, councils, and classes.
He has also held lay positions within the church.
There are two other organizations that Bud
serves. He is now serving his 4th year as Board
Chairman of the charity organization named
Yokefellow. They receive donations of clothes,
furniture, books, electronic equipment, and
miscellaneous items that are then sold in their retail
store. The money collected goes to assist the community
client with food, water bills, electrical bills,
oil for home heating, medical bills, and gas for trips
to the hospital or doctor. Additionally, the client
can get great buys from the retail store. Store sales
account for about 50% of financial needs for
the clients with the balance coming from grants,
individual donations, and the member church
councils who support Yokefellow. Bud is the sole
administrator of the Dee Frady Charity Fund. Bud
says, “This is my most compassionate work, but that
is a story for another day.”
Emily, Naomi and
Nanette setting the
tables for
Welcome Table
Photo on Right 11

Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we
will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have
opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to
those who are of the household of the faith.
-Galatians 6:9-10
Let us do good to all people. What a wonderful
world it would be!
When Paul wrote this to the church in
Galatia, he knew they could easily become
overwhelmed by the burdens of Christian Life.
We all know what it means to do good and not
evil. Paul has just summarized the works of the
flesh (which are doing evil) and the fruit of the
Spirit (which results in doing good)
in Galatians 5:19–26. Doing good involves
yielding to the Spirit and exhibiting the fruit
He produces—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and
self-control. When these things are dominant in
our lives, doing good is the inevitable result.
Growing weary in doing good is an ever-present
danger in the Christian life. But there are
things we can do to minimize weariness. Jesus
scheduled times of rest, and so should
we (Mark 6:31). Over committing ourselves is
a primary cause of weariness among
Christians. We want so much to contribute and
to respond to God’s love by pouring ourselves
into ministry for His sake that we risk burnout.
Discernment is essential. (See Gotquestions.
org)
As I studied this scripture and researched its
meaning, I felt as though it had been written
especially for me for this very moment in time.
I had overcommitted myself in 2017 and it was
taking its toll with my health and happiness. I
felt burdened and was growing weary. God let
me know it was time to step back and make
some changes.
It isn’t easy to make changes, leave a job, or step
back from volunteering. I know that God never
wants me so busy or so burdened that it takes a
toll on my health or my family life and obligations.
I have learned that God will provide for each
need He wants us to fulfill. God is in charge of
everything, He reigns over the earth. He was
really telling me that He wanted me to quiet my
heart and be still before Him (Psalm 46:10).
Sometimes the very thing we want to do is the
first thing that gets dropped when we overcommit.
For me, time for prayer or reading the
bible has taken second place to “doing things.”
Most of us want to do good and all of us want
to reap the harvest. If you are feeling overwhelmed,
step back, look at your activities, and
pray over them. And then, sit back and listen.
God will give you guidance but it is up to you
to follow His direction.
Remember, in Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the
plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans
to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to
give you hope and a future.”
As I write this devotion, I am praying for those
of you who are weary and overburdened. I pray
for wisdom and discernment and for peace and
rest. And now, may the peace of God, which
transcends all understanding, guard your
hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Amen
Blessings, Karen Ruhl
12

“As iron
sharpens
iron, so one
person
sharpens
another. “
PORCH MINISTRY
Vicki and Willie Williamson
Our stories will most likely be ones that are suggested
by our readers. Anna Friend told us about
her friends Vicki and Willie and we are thrilled to
share their story with you.
Vicki and Willie Williamson met online about 15
years ago. Vicki had been divorced for many years,
and prayed for God to send a Christian man into her
life. Vicki and Willie met through an online dating
service. They first exchanged emails and talked
to each other on the phone. During their phone
conversations, she could hear his children’s voices
in the background or when she called him at work,
he was always available. She felt comfortable that
she knew he was honest and a good man. Vicki had
two grown children, the last was getting married
and Vicki was facing an empty nest. Willie still had
four older children at home. After getting to know
each other, they were ready to take next step of
meeting for dinner. Vicki lived in Forest City
and Willie lived in Gastonia. They met in Shelby
weekly for dinner. They were comfortable and Vicki
says she knew she was with a faithful man, a man
who shared her faith beliefs. They dated for five
years before they married and are celebrating their
10th wedding anniversary this year.
Willie and Vicki have a beach home in Cherry
Grove, South Carolina in the North Myrtle Beach
area. They drive down at least once a month. They
both love to go to yard sales while there and
often strike up conversations with people who they
believe are Christians. They are very personable
and always look for like-minded people to share a
friendship.
Vicki and Willie decided to invite their neighbors
from across the street, Rock and Susie, for dinner
one evening. Soon after, they began to invite people
they met at yard sales. They all enjoyed sharing
God’s word, listening to each other’s testimonies,
singing, as well as eating a nice meal together. Vicki
is fast to point out that Willie is a great cook. As
time went on, they started inviting more people to
join them for dinner, music, praise, and discussion
on their screened in porch. They felt it was a great
way to keep their faith strengthened.
The number of people attending and size of the
meals grew quickly. Soon Vickie and Willie had
a full Porch with 12-16 people joining them each
month. I asked if they called this the Porch Ministry
when they first started. They said no, their only
goal at the time was trying to think of what they
could do to encourage other Christians. Willie
mentioned Proverbs 27:17 which says, “As iron
sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. “
13

Vicki said when they look back, they didn’t know
that God was leading them into the Porch Ministry.
They started inviting people over to sit and talk
about their blessings and the good news of God.
They fixed dinner, read scripture, gave testimonies,
praise reports, and sang. “Who doesn’t like to sing,”
says Vicki. Vicki plays the keyboard and
Willie loves to sing.
One of their guests, a Pastor’s wife, once asked
them, “What exactly is your mission?” They started
thinking about it and prayed, that is when they
realized it was a ministry. Like-minded people
coming together, worshiping, praying for one
another, sharing music, singing, reading scripture,
and being with those who want to be with other
Christians. When you think about it says Willie,
“We like to sharpen each other, get refreshed,
and go out into the world so we can talk to others
about Jesus Christ. Willie said, “being with other
Christians is important. Over time we all get dull,
like a knife. A dull pocket knife is useless and in
order to keep ourselves sharpened, we need to keep
the knife sharp. That is our goal, to keep sharp and
spread the word. We encourage each other, share
our blessings, pray for one another, study the Word,
and sing God’s praises. Some people bring instruments.
We had a young couple come and the father
played guitar, he had twin boys around 5 years old.
The kids had little guitars and would sit and watch
their daddy and strum their guitars to the music. It
was so special.”
We now have different people to speak or give
testimonies. We are a diverse group of people, people
from every Armed Service, a bible scholar and
writer, a music-worship leader, missionaries, stay
at home moms, engineers, a pawn shop owner, and
teachers. We also had a retired Pastor, who at age 81
volunteers at the homeless shelter and jail ministry.
At our last dinner, four Pastors visited while they
were in town. I asked how people find out about
them and come to their home. “People who attend
invite their friends, but mostly, we find them at yard
sales!” says Vicki. Willie said, “We also know that
it is Divine intervention.”
Meeting people at yard sales is their gift. They strike
up conversations and they can tell if the person has
the spirit. The Holy Spirit lets them know that they
would enjoy the Porch Ministry. There are no
dividing lines as far as the people who attend the
ministry, no boundaries, it’s all about God.
Vicki and Willie contribute the food as their offering.
Some days some of the women will bring a dish.
When I asked if anyone gives them money, they
said, “No, this is our gift. We are blessed so we bless
others.” Recently, a sincere fellow put a donation
into Willie’s pocket and wouldn’t take it back. The
money was placed into the church offering the next
morning at the church the man attends.
At the last Porch Ministry in June, they had 35
people attending. They can seat 16-20 on the porch.
They set up tables, tents, and tell everyone to bring
their chairs. What started out as a small group that
met on their back porch has grown out to the yard.
They knew they were expanding as a ministry.
At the last meeting, Willie cooked 12 pork tenderloins
and 10 pounds of grilled red potatoes. His
special recipe cole slaw, green beans, tomatoes and
Vicki’s banana pudding were served. Susan and
Don Campbell from Rutherfordton, NC came down
to attend and helped.
Willie walked us through a normal evening. People
arrive around 6 pm, they have tea and other drinks
and appetizers out. They socialize for 10-15 minutes,
and get the food cut up and put out buffet style,
working to serve it while it is hot.
Everyone serves themselves, and they say a group
blessing. They have everyone introduce themselves
and tell how they met the Williams or the people
who told them about the Porch Ministry. The common
theme last time was that they met Vicki &
Willie at the yard sales. They spend an hour or so
eating, then people are invited to either come on the
porch or get close.
Vicki says, “The Holy Spirit is moving, it began as
everyone ate together,and continues to move as we
gather on and near the porch. It is all about God’s
business. We start off with people sharing their
testimonies, praise reports or prayer requests.”
“It is amazing how sharing their stories allows others
to open up. When you allow people to freely
worship God by offering up their testimonies,
it’s special and the Holy Spirit is among us. I am
amazed how the Holy Spirit works. It is so rewarding
how people are lifted up in this environment,”
says Willie. He continually gives all credit to God
as he talks about his experiences.
14

Vicki told about how the experience spreads in the
neighborhood. We live near the waterway. There
are people in the community that probably don’t
attend church anywhere. “The last night we had our
Porch Ministry, it was such a blessing. But we had
no idea that the biggest blessing was for the people
across the street and behind us,” says Vicki. The
next day as Vicki was working in her front yard, she
tells us that the lady who lives across the street, who
has had some hardships, came over and said, “Are
you the lady who lives here?” Vicki said, “yes.”The
younger woman, who has young children said, “I
just want to tell you that I sat on my screened in
porch last night in tears, and what you all did was so
beautiful and so uplifting. I had such a bad day and
I really needed that. Vicki asked her why she didn’t
come over. The young woman said she didn’t know
anyone. Vicki invited her to the next dinner and the
lady said she would love to come. Later, the lady
that lives behind them was outside and Vicki started
talking to her. Vicki knew the lady had lost her dog
recently and asked if the dog was found, it was.
The lady also started talking about the meeting. “It
is so refreshing to hear that in this neighborhood at
night,” said the neighbor. Vicki was touched by the
comments from the neighbors. Vicki says, “The
music, praise, and prayer is so nice and she hopes
this ministry is going to draw, convict and touch
people’s hearts in the neighborhood.”
When asked, what are you going to do as you grow?
Vicki and Willie looked at each other and almost in
unison said “Trust God.”
As we talked about the number of people at the last
outing and how they were spread out across the
yard, I asked, “What are you going to do as you
grow? Vicki and Willie looked at each other and
almost in unison said “Trust God.” Willie said, “We
have a big God who can take care of this. If we
need a new place, God will provide a new place.
This is all from God.” Willie went on to tell about a
mother of the Worship Leader who came to the last
Porch Ministry. She came to him and was crying.
She couldn’t believe how God had given her such
wonderful blessings. She was there with her
daughter, son-in-law and 2 grand kids and
continually praised God. “It was really heart
touching when she started doing that,” said Willie.
I asked if people from different denominations
come to the Porch Ministry. There are many
denominations including; Messianic Jews,
Presbyterians, Church of God, Methodist, Baptist,
and Catholic, most of those coming are church
attendees. They told about the couple that are Messianic
Jews. The man brought a shofar and played it
for at one of the dinners. It was enjoyed by
everyone and probably heard throughout the
neighborhood. The couple spoke to the group about
Jewish culture and some of the customs and
holidays that Jesus celebrated as a Jew. Terrie,
another lady who lives nearby, recently spoke on the
difference between simply being raised in church
and actually having a true relationship with Jesus
Christ. Pastor Lew spoke last summer about the
importance of refreshing people with the Good
News. “Refreshing” is the exact word used by the
neighbor who was listening one night.
When asked if they lean on any scriptures, Willie
said yes. “Proverb 3:5-6 says:
Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
I asked Willie if he could tell us how he knows if
he is doing that, leaning on God and not his own
understanding. “We do not try to rush it or push it,
we do not try to direct it in the way the flesh wants
to go but let God tell us,” says Willie.
Vicki said, “I think that we work together, it has just
grown to where acknowledging Him makes it
easier, because we are together. Willie is retired, and
every morning we stand on our walkway together
and pray before I leave for work. When we wake
up, we say, ‘Thank You Father’. It is important to
always give Him thanks.”
Willlie said, “One of the things I see happening
between Vicki and me is that confirmation comes
from each other. Confirmation keeps us going in
the right direction, God talks to my heart. He places
things on my heart, I do not hear an audible voice.
Sometimes when I try to do something on my own,
I know when I didn’t do the right thing, because
no blessings come from it. (Continued)
15

Vicki has heard God’s audible voice just recently.
“Yes,” said Vicki, “I was in the shower and it was like
no other voice, no other calming hand, nothing I
have ever heard or experienced, except when I was
a little girl, there was a time when God touched me,
and I knew it was God. It is important to listen for
His voice; the devil can play with you all of the time.
The devil loves playing with Christians, he already
has the lost.”
Vicki and Willie discuss the fact that everyone wants
to come back to the Porch Ministry. They try to have
the meeting once a month. They tell people, this is
not to take the place of aligning yourself with your
local church or wherever you chose to worship. This
is a place to help sharpen you so you can go out and
tell the good news. They hold the Porch Ministry
on Saturday night. “This is at the beach where there
are so many other places people could be, but they
choose to be together with other Christians at the
Porch Ministry, said Vicki. If you are ever in Cherry
Grove, South Carolina, be sure to look up Vicki and
Willie – or, just go yard sale shopping. They will find
you!
Pastor Lew (top), Lance, Tammy, David and Willie, Center
Tammy and Willie Bottom
Yard and Porch, ready for Porch Ministry
16

Who Was Serving Whom??
For many years as a single man, I ate most of my
meals in coffee shops and diners. This was a
combination of not being able to cook much more
than coffee, cereal, or toast. The cost to grocery
shop for one was about the same as it was to have
a hot meal in the comfort of an eatery where there
was a complete menu to choose from. Additionally,
I was saved the chore of washing my own dishes.
The best part of my eating habits came in the form
of the waitress, or server as we call them nowadays,
who took my order, brought me the food and kept
my coffee cup filled. The title of the “server” was
certainly earned by all those hard-working women.
Over many meals and cups of coffee, it was impossible
not to overhear one server telling another or
the boss about the car that had just broken down,
how she needed to be able to get to and from work,
and how she would now have trouble dropping off
and picking up her small children from the baby
sitters or day-care. Everyone has problems, but car
problems were the most often heard from single
women in the coffee shops.
I was friends with a very interesting customer at a
nice coffee shop in a California beach town. Jack
also ate most of his breakfasts and dinners in the
same coffee shop as I did. He always sat in the same
booth where he would entertain a series of other
single diners by eating together and swapping
stories. Jack was very popular with the servers as
he was not only friendly but he was also a good
tipper; a man who truly had a heart for people and
enjoyed being around them.
Jack’s profession was upper management with a
family of car dealerships spread out across California,
Nevada, and Arizona. The nature of his work
took him away on business trips on a frequent basis.
Even when out of town, he eschewed room service
or the dining room in a hotel for a meal in a local
coffee shop. Following his professional life with
cars, his favorite hobby was buying and fixing up
used cars. Whenever I visited his home, I always
noticed 2 or 3 cars in various stages of repair and
restoration. He was a good mechanic and he had the
knowledge, tools, and resources to get most cars
back on the road and made dependable. His work
for auto dealers gave him access to good used cars
and very low prices. Often, all a car needed was a
battery, brakes, and a tune-up; all things he could
take care of from his home garage.
This is where the “servant” served the “server.”
Like me, Jack was very aware of the need many
servers had for a good, reliable car to be able to
work and take care of their family. His solution
was to provide a car, free of charge, to be used for
as long as was needed until the woman could either
afford to have her car repaired or make payments
and purchase his car. On many occasions, I saw him
slip an envelope with a set of keys to the manager,
who was also a good friend of ours, and ask him
to make sure that Linda, Helen, or Susie got it. He
would include a copy of the registration, a
letter from him with authorization to operate the
car, proof of insurance, and an agreement outlining
his terms. This was all done without fanfare or fuss.
Jack was very humble and when asked why he did
this, he would reply, “I am very fortunate, I am able
to, and I want to give back.” I knew Jack for over
10 years and during that time I know that he helped
many women in life changing ways. Besides the car
ministry, he also stepped up when a minor house
repair needed to be made or to accompany a woman
to an auto repair shop to ensure that she was treated
honestly and fairly.
Jack passed away quite a few years ago leaving a
legacy of service, caring, and faithfulness. I don’t
remember Jack as being especially spiritual or
religious, although I believe he may have been
raised a Catholic. I am sure that God knows him as
a man with a heart for service.
17

Master Woodsmen Home Improvements
Clint Harrill
828-748-1172
Remodeling, decks, additions, flooring, and almost any other home improvement needs.
Our goal is to do every job as unto the Lord, Colossians 3:23.
Colossians 3:23 New International Version (NIV)
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.
We attempt to use our business as a ministry by employing guys who are hungry for more than a paycheck.
We hire them and try to model for them what it looks like to truly follow Jesus.
It’s life on life discipleship at its best!!

Building Communities
Karin and Johnny White
If you spend more than 5 minutes talking to Karin
and Johnny White, you will feel their passion for
building their community and sharing food and
fellowship with friends.
Karin and Johnny have been together for 3 years.
They have been married for 2. In that short period
of time, they have made an indelible mark on
Rutherford County, NC.
As owners of Davis Donuts and The Dutch Broad
Cafe in Forest City, and White Turtle Farm in
Mooresboro, NC, they continue to look for ways
to build up communities. Karin and Johnny first
met Amy and Jason Drum at their restaurant. Little
did they know that this new friendship would lead
them to their newest ministry, the renovation of the
abandoned Avondale Church in Cliffside.
Here is the back story. Karin was born and raised
in Holland. She moved to North Carolina where
she was married and had two sons. She was
widowed in 2012, while working as a hospital
administrator in Charlotte, and raising her sons.
Karin holds a MBA in Finance and is currently
studying for her MDiv at Liberty University. She is
considering going on to get her Doctorate.
She met Johnny at a food conference. Karin says
she was in a bad shape before she met Johnny. She
said, “But God had not given up on me.” She and
Johnny married and Karin knew he wanted to
move back to this area. He was born and raised
in Casar, North Carolina, a small town in Northern
Cleveland County.
While on a trip to Rutherford County, Karin told
Johnny to go ahead and find a home for them here.
He found a home and she told him to go ahead and
purchase it, sight unseen by Karin. Johnny’s realtor
shook his head and said, “Don’t do it!”
19

The Whites became friends with the Drum family.
Karin said, “God brings people into our lives.
James and Amy Drum were the first couple at the
cafe. They found they had very similar goals. They
wanted to be part of the community but also
wanted to give back to the community.
Karin standing in the sanctuary at Avondale
Church in Cliffside, North Carolina.
It was a large house sitting on 10 acres. Karin said
she knew he wanted acreage and asked how many
acres were included. The realtor said they could
buy up to 100 acres. Karin gave the go ahead and
Johnny made an offer to the realtor that day. They
closed on their house 2 weeks later.
The house was owned by Clayton King, of Crossroads/Clayton
King Ministries. Clayton stayed in
the house for a couple of months while Karin made
the transition from her job and made the move. The
first time she saw the house, she also met Clayton.
He asked if he could let go of a “whoop” for selling
the house. He had been in prayer to find a buyer
for the house and was so happy to have the Whites
as the new owners. Karin and Johnny went to
Clayton’s church a couple of times. During one
service, Clayton asked if anyone wanted to give
their life to Christ and Karin raised her hand and
became a Christian that day.
Karin says, “If you think about it, God brought
Johnny to Clayton and Clayton brought me to
Christ.” Karin didn’t realize it but she had been
looking for God for years. She says she can now
recognize when she sees people who are searching.
Karin mentioned that when they moved to
Rutherford County, it seemed that everyone knew
Johnny. Johnny said that is because when you live
in small towns, everyone knows you or has a
family connection. They both love their community
and look forward to what God has in store for them
with this new venture.
Amy Drum is the great-granddaughter of R. R.
Haynes who built the Cliffside Mill starting in 1916
and built the Avondale Church in 1924. The Drums
and Whites are now planning to renovate the
church building. “It is great to work with friends
who are like-minded,” said Karin.
The excitement grew during the interview as we
started talking about plans for the renovation. “We
want to restore the sanctuary to it’s former Glory,”
said Johnny, “This church is 26,000 square feet in
size. There is an area on one of the lower floors
we affectionately call the Saloon. It has rooms that
are on the top and bottom floor with a balcony that
looks down from one floor to the next. The bottom
floor also houses a kitchen.”
“I think it would be a great area for women’s
retreats. Even if you live in or close to town, it
would be fun to stay here for a retreat,” said Karin.
“Our goal is to build the community back up. We
want this to be a place of fellowship, maybe bring
in speakers or music, maybe a Christian band.
It will be about fellowship and food. It will not
replace your current church but a place to come
for community, share food, and share love,” said
Karin. “God’s gift to us is food. God wants us to be
united and food is a great equalizer.”
“One way we will use the building immediately
will be to grow lettuce hydroponically. The goal
is to harvest the first batch of lettuce in October.
We hope to give some to the community and sell
some,” said Johnny.
“The goal is not to make money but to be
self-sustaining,” says Karin. “We want to be able
to teach people and churches how they can grow
plants as a source of income. It’s a hands-on approach
for people to come in, grow, and help,” says
Johnny.
20

Rooms that will be used for growing
lettuce hydroponically.
We took a tour of the building where Johnny told
us about the rooms that will be fitted with the
hydroponic system he is developing. “Karin said,
this food is grown so clean that you don’t even
have to wash it before you eat it.”
Johnny explained that the integrity of this building
is incredible for sitting empty for so many years.
“There was a man from California who bought it
years ago. He and his family lived in the Sanctuary,
they even turned the baptismal into a hot tub,”
Johnny said with a chuckle. “There is also a room
painted pink in the balcony above the sanctuary.
They walled off the balcony and made rooms. The
room was for his little girl,” said Karin.
Our interview was two days before they had a
massive clean-up scheduled. They had a great day
of clean-up and were able to empty the worst part
of the church that looked like it had been used as a
dump. There were truckloads of trash hauled away.
When they were finished for the day, the area they
call the saloon was empty.
“We have heard many rumors about what that
family was doing with this building, but we
really don’t know the real story,” said Karin. “This
church was also sold on E-Bay!”
We continued the tour and Johnny said that this
church was built with state-of-the art equipment.
“Unfortunately, we had to have all of the electricity
replaced because it had been stripped of it’s wiring.
It has incredible architecture. We had a water
problem due to a roof leak, we were ready for a
very expensive fix. The plumber had good news.
The church had been built with an internal gutter
system. One part of the gutter had come apart and
once he fixed it, it was good to go. The cost was
$200.00”
Some of the trash removed on clean-up day.
The church building has relatively little damage
other than graffiti. Although it has been broken
into several times and someone hit golf balls
through the antique sanctuary windows. The
windows were made in Florida and after some
research and phone calls, Johnny was able to find
a source that would make replacement windows to
restore those that are broken.
21

In 1924, when the church was being built, R. R.
Haynes matched the mill workers contributions
dollar for dollar. “The irony is the mill came in
to put people to work. NAFTA left this massive
infrastructure that no one thought would be used
again. We will be bringing life to this beautiful
church building with our partners who together are
the new and old link to this community. It is nice
to have partners that are so attached to the history
of this church and have the same vision as we do,”
said Willie.
There are so many opportunities here. We look
forward to the future of this building and a
sustainable business to pass down to our children.
Beautiful stained glass windows that
bring light into the sanctuary.
The Whites have 5 children, Peter, age 26, runs the
Forest city Davis Donut store, Elliott, age 20 is
going to UNC Asheville, Andy, age 16, JT age 14
and Adam, age 10.
“Showing our commitment to the community, we
have also partnered with the Drums and opened a
second location of the Dutch Broad Cafe in
Cliffside,” said Karin.
22

In 2010 Bob’s youngest son, Brad Shehan, took
over as the Executive Director and named the ministry
“Stainless Ministries.” Brad got the name from
a song titled, “Stainless,” written by two friends,
David Evansek and Robbie Hawkins. “The words
resounded with me and I knew at that time that the
ministry had to be called Stainless Ministries,” said
Brad. He asked permission to use the name and a
framed copy of the song lyrics now hangs on the
wall as you enter Stainless Ministries on Main.
Brad, with his wife Christy by his side, took the
operation from the side of the road to inside the
Abundant Life Church, where an astounding 22,000
bushels or 1.32 million pounds of food was distributed
that year. Brad said, “The Grahamtown community
is the most impoverished community within
Forest City, North Carolina, where statistics show
that up to one out of three children go hungry.”
In 2005, Bob “Pappy” Shehan, started a food ministry
for the hungry. Bob retired from the Department
of Corrections after 32 years of service and was
looking for an avenue to serve God in his retirement
years. When he first started the ministry, Bob would
drive to Hendersonville, NC to pick up a truck load
of vegetables and bring them back into Rutherford
County, North Carolina to give away. He would sit
beside the road in the town of Spindale and hand
out the food. One day a man stopped by and wanted
to pay Bob for the food. Bob replied, “Like salvation,
the food is free.” Soon people starting donating
for the gas to help Bob defray the cost of driving to
and from Hendersonville each day. Bob brought in
an estimated 50,000 pounds of food over the next
five years, feeding over 10,500 people. His son,
Brad, Brad’s wife, and children assisted Bob in this
ministry.
Stainless Ministry distributed 12,000 bushels or
720,000 pounds of food in 2011. In 2012, before
starting their distribution process, they moved into
the Old Dunbar Community Center, still within the
Grahamtown community. Stainless Ministries was
given permission to build a walk-in cooler within
the facility and went from 200 square-feet of work
space to a 1,200 square-foot facility. In 2012, they
had their largest year where 1.75 million pounds or
29,000 bushels of food were distributed. Also, that
year, they established a Thrift Store to meet their
financial needs. At that point, they were having to
turn food away due to lack of funds to be able go
and pick it up. They used their personal trucks and
trailers to haul the food in and would lose up to 13%
of the food to exposure to heat. Four Square Church
donated a 2000 Chevrolet box truck. Later that year,
Brad had a health scare and about the same time the
Old Dunbar Community Center decided that they
could no longer host Stainless Ministries at their
site. This forced Stainless Ministries to pull back
and re-focus.
In 2013 Brad had come through his health situation
with flying colors and decided to re-open Stainless
Ministries, but this time in a different location.
Stainless had acquired a 5,500 square-foot facility
located at 225 West Main Street, Spindale, NC.
Stainless Ministries also acquired a refrigerated
box truck which kept the total food lost to below
1%. Stainless distributed 14,267 bushels or 856,000
pounds of food that year.
23

In 2014, Stainless Ministries distributed 1.6 million
pounds or 26,667 bushels of food. Stainless Ministries
also provides a diabetic/non-diabetic pantry.
Those in need can come in once a month with photo
ID and receive 3 meals. Stainless Ministries has
additional programs such as clothing assistance
for those who recently were incarcerated. Stainless
also helps refurnish homes that have been through a
natural disaster at a minimal price.
Stainless Ministry offers hope to those who are hungry,
provides clothing for those in need, and they
are always available to offer prayer. They often have
people come in simply to ask for prayer. Brad told
of a story where he was praying with a customer
when another customer got upset and said, “This is
not what I signed up for.” He abruptly left the store
leaving the items he had chosen at the cash register
(the value of the items was less than $10.00). Brad
was not upset and he continued to pray. There were
several women in the store at the same time. As they
paid for their items, they said to keep the change.
They wanted to cover the expense of the items the
man had left behind.
Brad and his wife Christy were Therapeutic Foster
Parents. They have fostered 85 children over 10
years, some for as long as 2 years. The children
have all participated in the ministry. Brad is a
licensed, ordained preacher and works full-time at
Wilbert Plastics.
I asked Brad for a list of needs to help Stainless
Ministries continue to provide to this community.
Non-perishable food is always welcomed, a
volunteer driver to help with the food and donations,
and they can always use volunteers to help
at the thrift store. Brad did not mention money;
however, I know from working with non-profit
ministries that help with food, there is always a
need for money to defer the expense of
transportation, gas, maintenance, etc.
Stainless Ministies is a total non-profit ministry
located at 225 West Main Street, Spindale, N.C.
They are a local food pantry and diabetic food pantry.
Every dollar received goes back into the ministry
to pay for the trucks, maintenance on them, and
fuel to ship free food into Rutherford County. Last
year they distributed 1.6 million pounds of free food
in the community.
Brad says, “The most important service that we
offer the community is Prayer! We believe in the
power of prayer and practice it daily. Always
remember, God loves you and we do too!”
24

Coffee Is On
Ted Rhoads
As a Wednesday morning dawns, the small church
parking lot is filling with cars and pickup trucks as
people make their way into the large downstairs
fellowship room. This is not your average prayer
meeting, Bible study, or church get together. People
are coming to eat breakfast and network with friends
and neighbors from nearby and not so close.
Coffee Is On is the name of the ministry started by
Ted Rhoads at Rainsboro United Methodist Church
in the rural farming community of Rainsboro, Ohio.
It is an acronym for Christ Offers Forgiveness For
Everyone, Everywhere, In Search Or Need.
On Wednesday mornings from 7 am to 10 am,
Ted and his team of volunteers serve breakfast,
cooked to order, to those seated at long tables in
the large basement room under the main church.
The kitchen is large and exceptionally well
equipped to accommodate Ted and his crew of
volunteers as they serve as many as 104 men,
women, and children. Considering the usual church
attendance is approximately 25, this is truly an
outreach ministry.
Breakfast usually includes eggs (any style),
bacon, toast, potatoes casserole, biscuits, gravy, and
grits. Some people come in before they head off to
work, children are fed before going to school, and
many just stop by to start their day with nourishment
and fellowship. There is always a large contingent
of retirees as well. The ministry’s motto is
“Order what you want, eat what you get.” The idea
for Coffee Is On came to Ted after the local truck
stop diner closed in 2012. Ted had helped out at the
diner where local farmers and residents would meet
to eat, swap stories, and support each other. Once
the only such place in the area ceased business, he
thought that his church kitchen and large fellowship
center could fill the void. Opening day welcomed
seventeen people. On most weeks, the number now
exceeds seventy. Last year more than 3,700 people
were served with about ninety-five percent of them
eating a cooked meal. It is impossible to calculate
how many cups of coffee have been served over the
past five years.
25

The Coffee Is On ministry is fully self-sustaining.
Although the meals and coffee are free, there is
a donation basket near the door. Contributions in
cash, and products collected normally double the
costs, allowing the extra to be donated to other
ministries and programs such as the Cub Scouts,
church maintenance, and a food pantry.
Continuing the food theme, Ted also heads up the
food pantry at the same location. Since 2009, on
the fourth Saturday of each month, individuals and
families can stop by the same place Coffee Is On
is held and pick up needed food supplies. It is said
that this is the only pantry in the area that gives milk
and eggs. Also available: bread, crackers, canned
vegetables, canned fruit, other assorted canned
goods, potatoes, pasta, beans, and meats. There is
even mac-n-cheese, corn bread, and biscuit mix to
round out the pantry selections. On occasion we
have foods prepared in the kitchen, then frozen, that
you can heat and eat. It takes about 7 volunteers
to operate the pantry, from initial interviews to
picking needed products and helping clients load it
all up for the trip home. Cash and product donations
from Coffee Is On, Cub Scout food drives, and local
support enables the pantry to be a blessing to those
in need within the community. Each Christmas,
approximately 60 baskets are filled and distributed
according to need. Ted makes the weekly trek to
town to purchase products for both food ministries.
Ted was born in the area, just a few miles from the
church. Although he started going to church while
in the 2nd grade, it was in 1968 that he committed
his life to Christ and was saved. He is a member of
the Rainsboro United Methodist Church Choir, Lay
Leader, Liturgist, sponsor of the local Cub Scout
program, and active on church committees. His
church life also includes a prayer ministry and a
men’s Bible study group. With a true heart for service,
Ted can usually be found just being a friend,
especially when one is needed.
26

Mary Hall Edwards is a loving wife to Donnie,
mom, and grandmother, and is highly motivated
to educate, prevent, and heal children through the
non-profit she started.
In 2012, Mary started a non-profit organization
called Be A Voice 4 Kids. Mary learned about
twelve children in Polk County that had been
sexually abused. These twelve children were friends
of her children and played together often. When she
found out about their abuse, she knew she had to
become a part of the solution, she did not want to be
a part of the problem of ignorance and avoidance.
During this time, Mary began to pray that she would
have the strength to tell her husband a secret she
had been keeping from him their entire relationship,
starting in high school. She prayed that she could
tell her husband that she, too, was a victim of sexual
abuse as a young girl.
Mary and her husband have a routine of getting up
at 6 am and watching Jimmy Evans, Founder and
CEO of Marriage Today, a nationally syndicated
television program. She was laying with her head
on her husband’s chest watching the show when
Linda Evans was praying. Linda said that there was
someone who had been affected by sexual abuse as
a child who has not yet revealed it in their marriage.
Mary remembers turning to her husband and saying,
“That would be me.” Her husband responded
by saying, “I knew it all the time.” Mary explained,
“It was all in God’s timing when I told my husband,
and God had already prepared Donnie’s heart to
receive the news.”
Mary discussed how she was abused from the time
she could remember by inappropriate touches from
different men. Mary was abused by a family friend
from the time she was eleven until she turned fourteen.
SUPPORT GROUP....
Be a Voice 4 Kids holds a Women Survivor of Child Sexual Abuse Support Group.
These meetings are held every other Thursday.
All meetings are confidential.
Time 6:30 pm
Facilitated by Bobbie Shannon, LPC
Call 828-817-4267 or email: beavoice4kids@yahoo.com
for registration and location information.
Although there is no fee for this support group, donations are accepted and appreciated.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Be A Voice 4 Kids is to educate,
prevent, and heal child abuse through
Spiritual strength, peer support, and inspiration.
27

Be A Voice 4 Kids has been very successful in Polk
County and surrounding areas. They have a strong
board which consists of Mary Edwards, President;
Lou Parton, Vice President; Melissa Brown,
Treasurer; Kim Wilson, Social Worker III; BJ
Bayne, Captain over Investigations, Sheriff’s
Department; Donald Hill, Polk County Sheriff; Jodi
Everts, Magistrate; Michael Crater, PC EMS; Lee
Lindsey, Steps of HOPE; and Edith Bond, Bank
Manager. Be A Voice 4 Kids has trained more
than 150 community members to be Stewards of
Children, with the full two-hour training program.
A few of their goals are to purchase a site for the
children’s advocacy center, create a child-friendly
waiting room, forensic interview room, medical
examination room, implement support groups
for non-offending care providers and survivors,
continue outreach and education efforts for Be A
Voice 4 Kids, and conduct support groups for
survivors and non-offending family members.
Mary is also very active in the community as the
Director of Power Play, a Children’s Group at Mill
Spring First Baptist Church. She serves on the
Children and Youth Council and is a member of
the choir at church. She is a member of The
Encourager’s Writers Group, and an author of two
children’s books which she hopes to have published
by the first of next year. She and her husband love
to camp, fish, and are currently renovating a 1968
Trailway bus into a camper.
I asked Mary if there was anything else I should
know about her and she told me that she is a
registered clown. Her official name is “Bo Bo The
Clown.” She was a professional clown from 1984
until 2009 performing at birthday parties
and events. Mary said, “While being a clown, I
was still hiding a big secret. Behind the mask, I
allowed myself to smile.” Her passion to help
children and families affected by child sexual
abuse pushes her to new levels. She is a great
member of our community and a lovely person to
have the honor to know. Mary can be reached at
beavoice4kids@yahoo.com.
BE A VOICE 4 KIDS
PO Box 44
Mill Spring, NC 28756
828-817-4267 ( Cell)
Photo: Heritage Day Festival Booth
28

A Word About
Faith On Every Corner
We hope you have enjoyed the premiere of our
digital magazine. We knew we were being led to
start this new ministry and are thankful for all of
the people who are our prayer partners and friends.
Over the years, God has shown us where he wants
us to live, he has moved us across the county,
placed us in different churches, where we have met
many people along the way. We had questions early
on in our journey. We asked God why He choose
us, what did He want us to do, and how could we
serve Him? Were we worthy? That’s about the time
we read Rick Warren’s book, Purpose Driven Life,
which starts out, “It is not about you!” We got the
message loud and clear and learned to listen and
obey, even if we didn’t understand what it was we
were to do.
Faith On Every Corner is not about us. We hope
the stories and examples will encourage you to find
ways you can serve God.
We will be praying for each of our readers. Please
take a moment to share the magazine with others
and contact us if you have a story you would like us
to write about.
Thank you,
Karen and Craig Ruhl
Click to view more photos at www.Karen-Ruhl.pixels.com