The Journey
The Journey
Summer Edition 2014
The
Inspirational Stories by People You Know in the High Country 1 Summer 2014
The Journey
3 Summer 2014
The Journey
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The Journey
5 Summer 2014
The Journey Welcome to The Journey Ben Cox
p. 9
The Pattern of Life Piper Woodring
p. 10
The Red Thread Kenneth Peacock
p. 15
Twenty Years of Shepherding a Special Flock Jean Davis p. 22
Meet our crew...
T
his magazine is intended to present people’s stories about their personal relationships with God. Though we endeavor to have a diversity of view-points represented in our stories, sometimes we don’t achieve that. However, we always endeavor to let people tell their stories, uncut, as is. Because of this, it stands to reason that we are not always able to personally endorse all that is said, nor can we be held responsible for the total veracity of every story. The common denominator is that the people who share have experienced God’s love in real ways. The encouragement that we want for you is that you, too can experience His love in whatever challenge you face.
Ben Cox Owner Publisher/Editor Charles Bateman Director of Operations Sarah Lynn Mills Office Manager Becky Zaragoza Graphic Designer Logan Hall Graphic Designer Katie Hodges High Country 365 Brand Manager Deck Moser Sales
God's Help For The Hopeless John Winkler p. 24 God is the Center... Alan Yawn p. 28 Going on a Spiritual Pilgrimage Dan Meyer p. 30 Work, Pray, Have Faith and Don't Worry Brett Loftis p. 32 The Importance of Purpose Kim Furches p. 34
Kim Furches Freelance Writer Kelly Goodman Freelance Writer The Journey Magazine c Copyright 2014 O
828.263.0095 mainstreetmktg@gmail.com 215 Boone Heights Dr. Ste 202 Boone, NC 28607 Any type of reproduction of this magazine is prohibited without permission from Main Street Marketing.
The Journey
8 Summer 2014
Welcome to The Journey The Journey was born out of the desire of my heart to provide a forum for people in the High Country to tell and hear each other’s stories of faith. As such, it is unique from the many “niche marketing” projects that my company does, and I am extremely grateful for how well it has been received by readers like you. Our team has been working hard to improve the quality of each new edition. As this one has unfolded, we have once again been inspired by great stories of the grace of God revealed through His people. When we hear these testimonies, we are reminded again how blessed we are to be able to live and work in a part of the country where many people are humble and authentic and sincere about their faith, and about making this world a better place to live. There’s a verse in the Bible from James 1:27 (NIV) that says this: Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. There’s another verse that says God is a Father to the fatherless. In a world where it sometimes seems like evil and darkness and tragedy grabs the headlines, God wants us to know that He is a God of compassion and comfort who provides help for the helpless and grace for all who acknowledge their need. The reality of that comes shining through in the stories Jean Davis tells us about Ebenezer Children’s Home in Wilkes County, and Brett Loftis shares about Crossnore School in Avery County. But it’s also evident in all the stories you’ll read here. In these pages you’ll hear the story of total transformation in the life of local businessman John Winkler, but you’ll also hear Boone Chamber of Commerce president Dan Meyer, and the retiring Chancellor of Appalachian State University, Ken Peacock, tell how their faith has undergirded and guided them from an early age. Whether you believe, don’t believe, or don’t know what you believe, it’s my prayer that the power of God’s love to impact our lives and our community comes shining through in these stories. If you read these stories from your heart, with an open mind, I believe that’s exactly what will happen. Happy reading!
Ben Cox, Owner of Main Street Marketing & High Country 365
While we were in production on this edition of The Journey, Maya Angelou passed away. Please look at page 19 of this publication to read a wonderful poem that she wrote. I’m drawing your attention to it because her words capture the spirit of what we want to convey in and through the stories that we cover in this magazine.
9 Summer 2014
The Pattern Of Life
My dad was the perfect example of service before self. He retired from the Army when I was two years old. Daddy was a furnace repair man, and I can tell you this; furnaces never break until the coldest weather. I can’t count the number of Christmases that we waited for Daddy to repair furnaces before we opened presents. My dad couldn’t bear the thought of anyone being cold, especially the elderly. His first priority was to take care of others.
I grew up in a Christian home and my parents took me to church regularly. I can remember accepting Christ into my heart at an early age, and there was never a day that I doubted my salvation. My parents were good people, and they taught me well.
My parents were extremely nurturing people. I can remember my mom and dad taking in at least 11 children that were not their own. It was not in their nature to turn anyone away. God blessed my parents with a lot, therefore they gave a lot.
If you get, give. If you learn, teach. That’s how I’ve modeled my entire life. I believe that we all have God-given talents. Some can sing like a bird, others can paint like Pablo Picasso. I was born knowing how to cut hair. From the first time I picked up a pair of scissors, I just knew that I would use that tool to help others, and that’s exactly what I did. Sure, I had someone show me how to cut and style hair, but to me it was like breathing, I already knew how.
My mom was a stay-at-home mom. She was always taking care of other people’s kids… cousins, neighbors’ kids, and any others that made their way to our doorstep. Our house was a safe haven that was always filled with warmth and love. My parents were rarely in a foul mood, but when mom got upset about anything, her eyes would turn pitch black. I didn’t ever want to upset my mom, and Dad made sure that my brothers and I respected her at all times. Dad loved Mom, and that created peace and joy in our home.
I love to serve others, and I’m always seeking new learning opportunities. If I have, I give, if I learn, I instruct. My friends and family say that I’m a people pleaser, and it’s oh, so true! It thrills me to give others my time. I don’t make a lot of money, but the blessings that I receive from helping someone else, are worth more to me than fortune or fame. I would rather reach out and hold someone’s hand than to hold a pot of gold. I would rather drive someone to be motivated than to drive a Rolls-Royce, I would rather put shoes on someone else’s feet and walk barefooted myself, if that would make someone else’s path a little easier. I really feel that the key to happiness is giving. When you give, you inevitably receive in return. My daddy always said that we reap what we sow.
My dad was the epitome of a perfect husband and father. I adored him, and he made me feel very loved and treasured. Daddy was a giver, and I strongly believe that’s the reason why I love to give. My father taught me to put others before myself and I never forgot it. I married a man that is just like my daddy. Steve is a faithful, hardworking man, and I’m the luckiest gal in the world to be his bride. Together we have accomplished so much. He is, and always will be, the apple of my eye. What I look forward to most at the end of the day is snuggling next to Steve. He loves me unconditionally, and there is no greater feeling on earth.
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The Journey
11 Summer 2014
The Journey
12 Summer 2014
Steve and I have raised two amazing children, Callie and Ethan. My children are my pride and joy. We have taught them to be givers, and to put others before themselves. Like a domino effect, our kids mimic our lives. There are no perfect parents and everyone makes mistakes, but I feel confident that Ethan and Callie cherish their memories at home. The funny thing is that our kids have taught us as much as, or more than, we have taught them. Their uniqueness and creativity never ceases to amaze me. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of my kids and smile. I feel that Callie and Ethan will take pride in their families, as we did. I still carry the things that I learned from my parents. One of my fondest memories and possibly the greatest teachable moment came from my mother when I was eight years old. Mom taught me how to sew. Mother and I went out to buy some fabric. We bought some off white fabric, and some solid white fabric. Mom decided to let me make a blouse for her, and then a smaller blouse to fit me. I still remember my excitement. She laid out the pattern for me and told me to read the instructions. Mom said, “Piper, you can do this, just read the instructions. I want you to read the instructions because I won’t always be around to help you.” I read the instructions carefully and proceeded to sew Mom’s blouse first. I wanted her blouse to be the solid white one because she had olive skin, dark hair and stunning white teeth. I knew mom would look beautiful in that white blouse, so I was careful to follow the instructions perfectly. After I made Mom’s blouse, I made mine. What my mother did next will stand out in my mind forever. My mother put on the blouse that I made for her and took me by the hand. She paraded me around the neighborhood and knocked on every neighbor’s door. She said, “I just wanted to show you the blouse that Piper made me, isn’t it beautiful?! Didn’t she do a wonderful job?! Look how carefully she sewed the buttons on!”. My confidence soared like never before, and my heart was overwhelmed with pride. That particular day lit a fire in me, and from that day on, I aimed to please. I made crafts, foods, and any other project that I could get my hands on, always carefully reading the instructions. Most of what I made, I gave away, or I taught someone else how to do the same thing. It brought, and still brings, me much pleasure to live my life this way. I like to work hard, but I like to play just as hard. I undoubtedly got that from my dad. If he came home from work and we had the fishing poles in hand and a bucket of worms, he would take us fishing no matter what else needed to be done. I’ve learned so much from my family and friends, and sometimes I envision myself as a “crazy quilt”. A crazy quilt has no exact pattern, but is pieced together by all shapes, colors and different sized pieces of cloth. Each piece of my quilt represents someone in my life or something that I have learned. It has created who I am today. We are all creating our own “quilts of life”. It matters not how perfect your quilt is, it only matters that you keep adding to it and never give up. Keep on learning, creating, and collecting beautiful pieces to add to your quilt. It’s who you are. Even when you’re gone, someone will look at your quilt and be inspired by it. I thank God and my parents for placing a good pattern before me. My life has been enriched beyond measure because of this. I like to think of life as a pattern. With a good pattern, the sky is the limit. You can dream, make, or be anything your heart desires.
Piper Woodring Watauga County High School Teacher
14 Summer 2014
The Journey
The Red Thread I was raised in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, where going to church was a part of our culture. My parents often quoted Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” One way they “trained” me was to make sure I was in church Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings, and Wednesday nights, so that’s what I did, and I liked it. When I was 12 years old, I made a public profession of my faith, little knowing how much my faith would guide me for the rest of my life.
Photo by Marie Freeman
When I think of faith, I think of an invisible thread that guides us in the direction that we should go. I used to have a book of fables, and one particular fable, “The Red Thread,” really stood out to me. As described in this tale, there is an invisible red thread that is tied to us, and to the people and places that we will encounter in our lifetime. The red thread will appear, disappear, then reappear. You never know how long it will be before you see it again, but it always comes back. It’s as if I envision my life as a tapestry, and my faith as the red thread. You can’t see the thread of faith, but it keeps coming back, and manifests itself in ways that can be seen. Looking back at my life, I can see how my faith has woven me and made me who I am today. For example, before I ever worked on a university campus, I worked for an accounting firm, Price Waterhouse, in Winston-Salem, and I felt like a fish out of water. I knew that it wasn’t my dream job, so why was I there? Years later, it would all make perfect sense. While working in Winston and attending church there, I met Rosanne, who is now my wife. She sang in the choir and I was the assistant pianist and organist. I’m absolutely passionate about music, and I can remember playing the piano ever since I was old enough to reach the keys. Perhaps it was her love for music, or maybe it was her smile, but she had a way about her and I could almost see that “red thread” wrapped around her finger. My faith led me to her, and I married her in the summer of 1975. After taking some continuing education courses with my accounting firm, I began to think that teaching might be a
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15Photo Summer 2014 by Troy Tuttle
said. I thought about the many years that I spent fulfilling my job duties, and though my duties were important, I realized that what matters most is relationships and family. This is where my faith stepped in, and I decided to step down from this demanding leadership position.
better profession for me than what I was doing. That’s when some of my co-workers, and my wife, encouraged me to leave the firm, go back to school, and pursue my dream career in higher education. I enjoyed the people I worked with, and my friends at my local church and country club, but it was time to move forward. In 1983, I came to Appalachian’s Walker College of Business as an assistant professor. Through the years I worked my way up to Dean of college, and then in 2004, I became Appalachian State’s sixth Chancellor. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to come this far, but it has been an incredible journey and an amazing opportunity. My faith brought me thus far. Serving as Chancellor has taught me so much about myself. It’s not the title that’s important, it’s the people… it’s the relationships. I have always valued relationships, and like the red thread, special people that have come into my life have come back again to visit, or they will send me post cards and encouraging letters with pictures of their families. Nothing touches my heart more than to know that I’ve helped make a difference in the lives of others. My fondest memories at the college are of the times when the students would show up on our doorstep because they wanted to talk, or just hang out. My wife and I always had our door open to anyone who wanted to converse, eat a meal, or simply throw football. I recall a time not so long ago that two young men knocked on our door. When Rosanne answered they said, “Can the Chancellor come out and play?” Rosanne happily responded with, “I’m sure he’d love to, but he’s not home yet.” When I came home that evening, I threw Frisbee with those gentlemen, and we had the best time. The kids will tell you that I bless them, but I can honestly say that these kids keep me energized and full of hope. They bring so much positivity into my life. I think some people may have been surprised that I will be stepping down as Chancellor after only 10 years on the job. To that, I can only say that “I just know it’s time.” My work here is finished, and God has a new door for me to enter. In coming to this conclusion, I think my most pivotal moment was when my two sons, Chris and Brian, sat me down and said, “Dad, when is it our turn?” Those words that my sons spoke to me hit me hard, and not long after that conversation, I had a three hour business trip that gave me lots of time to think about what they
16 Summer 2014
I have two wonderful sons, and three grandchildren, and my heart’s desire is to spend more time with them. I’m restructuring my life to accommodate that. I really want my grandchildren to know who I am. That’s extremely important to me. I’m not worried about my future, because every day I read my favorite scripture, which is engraved on the back of my nameplate. No one else in my office can see it because it faces only me. 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.” There are certain stressful aspects of being the Chancellor and dealing with lots of differing opinions that I won’t miss, but I will miss the positive relational aspects of my job. In this regard, I feel very confident that my successor, Sheri Noren Everts, will be a wonderful replacement for me. She is truly an amazing woman. When Appalachian found a new Chancellor, I feel that they found a new friend for me. Both Sheri and her husband, Jay, are fantastic, and I look forward to keeping in touch with both of them. My official commitment to ASU will expire in July, at which time Rosanne and I plan on moving back to Winston-Salem. So, we will find ourselves right back where we started, where we already have a church home and lifelong friendships. Funny how that red thread of faith works, becoming apparent in transitional times like this. As I close out this chapter in my life, my advice to the friends that I leave behind is to always be true to yourself, and never compromise your faith. Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, and never miss an opportunity to show someone that you care. It’s the people that matter.
Kenneth Peacock Retiring ASU Chancellor
The Journey
17 Summer 2014
The Journey
18 Summer 2014
The Journey
19 Summer 2014
The Journey
20 Summer 2014
The Journey
21 Summer 2014
Twenty Years Of Shepherding A Special Flock Ms. Jean Davis has a story to tell, and she is quick to remind her audience that it is God’s story, not her own. She admits to being slow to hear when God sent a preacher her way, informing her that God sent him with a message for her. That message was slow to resonate with Jean’s heart - God had anointed her to be the director of what is now known as Ebenezer Children’s Home. It was over twenty years ago… Jean was comfortably employed in the finance business while often dreaming of being a missionary. Her idea of mission work was serving on foreign soil, and of course, would occur much later in her future. Little did she know that God had other plans for His calling on her life. A local preacher came to her place of employment and invited her to join the effort to forge a children’s home in Wilkes County. Jean says that she was oblivious to the fact that such a place was needed. Her answer was no. He continued to stop by her place of employment on a regular basis with the same message, and was adamant that God had told him that Jean was to be the Director of Ebenezer’s Children Home. Her answer was always no. He was persistent, and visited her place of employment so often that her boss questioned her about the reason the gentlemen kept coming to see her. Her boss reminded her that her job was to make loans. Jean shared her boss’s concerns with the preacher, “Sir, I’m sorry; I wish you the best, but you’ve got to just move on.” It was then that they reached a compromise. He invited her to a public meeting in January 1994, at which a representative from the Child Protection Services of the Department of Social Services of Wilkes County would be speaking on the subject of abused and neglected children. She promised him that she would attend the meeting, pray for the endeavor, and offer financial support. Jean was astonished when the factual information was shared regarding the incidents of abuse and neglect in Wilkes County and the impact this left with affected children and their families. After hearing these facts, Jean drove home and prayed this prayer, “God, I have seen the need in our county and the harvest is plentiful. Would you please help those men find someone to help them get this home started, because children should not have to suffer like this.” Then the Lord replied to her prayer, “I am going to give you the desire of your heart, which has always been to be a missionary. I’m going to give you your mission field in your back yard. Don’t walk away from it!” Of course there were tears (lots and lots of tears) by the time she arrived home. Amidst her tears she told her husband, “I have to accept the invitation to help these men do this! I have got to call that preacher and tell him that I will help get it opened up. I don’t know how or when, but I will do it.” Jean called the preacher, and he informed her that a board would be established on February 14, 1994. The founding board consisted of six men and Jean. With her on board, the founding members of Ebenezer’s began to project an opening date. Officials were hoping for three years. Jean knew in her heart that children were suffering, so she boldly responded, “God usually takes nine months to birth a baby, so this home will be birthed this year.” The official promised the board that it would not happen, but as Jean so appropriately put it, “God owns it all and He can do anything He chooses.” The official then asked, “Do you have a lot of money?” Jean’s answer, “We have five dollars.” He continued to prepare Jean that without money and a place, her goal would not be reached. The home opened its doors to their first child September 26, 1994. And so it was, and so it is 20 years later.
Jean describes the establishment of Ebenezer Children’s Home as leaps of faith, promises fulfilled, and lives being touched. She recalls one day in the early months of establishing Ebenezer’s when there were three potatoes to feed five kids. Jean did not resort to Facebook or the Internet, nor did she text anyone. She simply got down on her knees and prayed, “God, thank you for our supper tonight. We are going to be thankful for everything you give us and for whatever you send in.” Before the day was over, God sent three different people to Ebenezer’s with potatoes, over 70 bushels of potatoes in all! Jean acknowledges that there are many things that the home lacks from time to time, but in 20 years, the potato barrel has never been empty. One reason is that churches go above and beyond in supporting Ebenezer’s. For example, a church plants a garden every spring, of nothing but potatoes. When the harvest is ready, the children and staff spend a day digging and picking up potatoes to stock their potato barrel. One of Jean’s most cherished material possessions is her rocking chair. It was the first item of furniture donated to the home. She shares the story of a young child who came to the home with a long history of sexual abuse, physical abuse, and neglect. The child would act out to the point of self-mutilating, and finally, God gave Jean a solution: to embrace that child and rock her until the flashbacks subsided. Not surprisingly, the plan worked! Each time the child began to experience a meltdown, she would come to Jean and ask to go to the rocking chair. The plan was so effective that the staff was informed of it, and it allowed the child to receive healing from her family at Ebenezer’s. This child’s name is now engraved on the back of Ms. Jean’s rocking chair, and it is a permanent fixture in her office. It continues to be a place of healing for many children who reside at the home. For another little girl, a hairbrush was the instrument that comforted through her healing. This little girl inquired
about why she would be staying at the home, and what these people had to do with her. Ms. Jean told the little girl that her job was to do things for the little girl that her mommy would do, like brushing her hair. Stunned, the little girl looked at Ms. Jean to tell her that her Mommy had never brushed her hair, or anything of the sort. So this little girl began the process of healing, with Ms. Jean’s caring and loving hands gently brushing her hair over and over and over. Jeremiah 29:11 offers the best promise of all and can be found everywhere on the campus of Ebenezer’s. The verse is framed and hanging on walls, scripted in concrete, and embroidered on pillowcases. Every child at Ebenezer is given one’s own Jeremiah 29:11 pillowcase and years later, God’s promise remains. What a comfort to lie down at night with this verse resting underneath the dreams of children! Ms. Jean can share many, many stories that involve the hand of God at work. Numerous lives have been touched through Ebenezer’s, not only the residents of, but also the staff, and the many, many churches who are involved with supporting the home. Ebenezer’s goal is to assist children in finding their forever family. Some children are temporary residents; Ebenezer provides a temporary foster home until the family is deemed capable of caring for their children again. For many children, Ebenezer is their home until their forever family comes to adopt them. Jean is quite proud of the adoption services that Ebenezer provides. And for a few special children, Ebenezer is their forever family. The home has served more than 300 children, and many of them return periodically to express their appreciation to the family who offered unconditional love, but more importantly, the message of Christ. To learn more about how you can help the children of Ebenezer please visit: www.EbenezerFamily.org.
Jean Davis Director, Ebenezer Children's Home
“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.” Jeremiah 29:11
The Journey
God’s Help for the Hopeless
As a person who was born and raised in Boone, I know a lot of people, and I realize that many people know me, or know about me. But, what is most important for me to convey to anyone who cares to know is this: I am a sinner saved by grace, and if God could love, save, and change a wretch like me, then He can, and will, help anyone who is willing to call on Him and acknowledge their need for help. I’m not saying this just because I had a “conversion” experience in 1984, but because I have had many experiences where God reached out to me to help me in ways I that I never could have helped myself. He has not only given me the gift of salvation and eternal life, but He has kept me alive and blessed me in all kinds of ways that I don’t deserve. Therefore, as I tell my story, I want everyone to know that it’s not about me, but about the supernatural power and love of God that’s available to anyone. Like many people in these mountains, I was raised in church, and very involved, but when I got older I began to stray. I cared more about hanging out with my buddies and being accepted by them. Therefore, we influenced each other to start drinking and making all kinds of other poor decisions. In light of this, my high school grades were awful. However, I loved to play football, and because I was good at it, I received a scholarship to play for UNC in 1966. That was an opportunity that I should have taken advantage of, but the bad habits that I developed in my teens were still with me, and I made foolish decisions that led to me dropping out of school. Shortly after dropping out of college, I got married and tried to start a new life. The next thing you know, my first son was born, and I found myself as a child raising a child. Being a good husband and father didn’t happen for me because my priorities were all wrong, and I had no idea what to do anyway. Then my daughter was born into a situation where her father was drinking and smoking more than ever, and the atmosphere in our home wasn’t good. Sometimes I would take my family to church because I thought that would be a good thing to do, but mostly I played golf every Sunday. In short, I failed my wife and kids, and my marriage ultimately ended because of that. Looking back, I thank the Lord that both children turned out wonderfully, but it had nothing to do with me. God had his hands on them, and I’m forever grateful for that. By the time I was 35 years old, I was a full blown alcoholic and I found myself broke because I didn’t take care of business. Deeply in debt, and not sure how I would ever pay back my debts, I felt as if I was ensnared in a trap that was set by Satan himself. Hopeless, helpless, with no way out, is the best way to describe how I felt. Then, in 1982, I got what I thought was a break, when a guy from Florida let me build a building for him. Little did I know at the time that this would set the stage for the kind of miraculous break-through that I desperately needed. The building was completed, and there I was in the parking lot with my glass of Scotch in hand, gazing at the building and feeling pretty good about what I had accomplished. As I sipped on my drink, a guy pulled into the parking lot at the building site and told me that the Lord had led him to Boone, North Carolina from Dallas,Texas. I listened to him go on and on about God, but I was totally uninterested in what he had to say. He told me that he made signs for a living, and it looked like I needed a sign for my building. I hadn’t even thought that far ahead, but agreed with him that the building needed a sign. That man, Joe Richards, befriended me for about a year and a half. He continued to talk to me about God and I would just smile and tune him out.
24 Summer 2014
The Journey
One day I stopped by to see Joe at work, and he handed me a Bible that he had purchased at the Christian book store. On the Bible was printed, ”John, Jesus loves you.” That really touched my heart. I thanked him for the Bible and we hugged. From time to time I would read that Bible, but it really made no sense to me because there were too many “thees and thous.” I would drink while I was reading the Bible, and my mind would often wander. I would even find myself thinking about inappropriate things instead of focusing on what I was reading, and that would really disturb me and discourage me from wanting to read. Due to the debt I had piled up, housing was not affordable for me, so I basically couch-surfed and borrowed houses to live in. One afternoon, in my borrowed house, I tried once again to read my Bible with my ever present drink in hand. However, this time, I felt an overwhelming longing rise up in my heart, to understand what I was reading. All of a sudden something came over me, and I started crying. It wasn’t that I was teary eyed, there were literally hot tears pouring out of my head, and my crying was uncontrollable! The only thing that I knew to do was to go see my buddy, Joe, who gave me that Bible, and talk to him. My drive from Foscoe to Boone should have only taken about seven minutes, but because I was crying so hard, it seemed like it took about an hour to get to Joe. I had a golf towel wrapped around my head to soak up the tears, and I could barely see how to drive. Upon my arrival at Joe’s driveway, he came out and asked me what was wrong. After telling him everything, he just wrapped his arms around me and prayed. Then, as we sat in his back yard, Joe talked to me about the power God had to change me. I clung to his every word and began to understand just how much that Jesus loved me. Joe led me to the Lord that day in his back yard. I remember it vividly. It was August 16, 1984. I felt such a calm come over me that day, but I was exhausted from all of the tears, so I went back to my couch and slept until the next morning. The next day at work I noticed something different about myself. I used to cuss like a sailor and take the Lord’s name in vain, but
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not that day. The desire to curse simply left me, and it wasn’t long until my coworkers and friends noticed it too. As the weeks went on, I began to feel more and more encouraged by the Lord. I started buying Bibles for people and handing them out. I was still drinking heavily though, and on one particular morning when I was out purchasing my big bag of ice for my Scotch for the day, I surprised the lady who worked at the store with a large-print bible. She was nearly blind, so needless to say, she was thrilled to have a Bible she could actually see. Things in my life were improving, but I just could not stop drinking. I tried everything to quit, including calling Hebron Colony, but they had no room, and the hospitals were too expensive. I was on the verge of once again experiencing God’s help for the helpless, in a strange and mysterious way. It started with a dream I had. In the dream, a very handsome man came to me and we began talking about my drinking. He said, “Hey John, why don’t you just drink in the evenings after work? That way you won’t offend God or look foolish to people during the day.” As we talked, he kind of convinced me that as long as no one could see me drinking, then it wouldn’t be so bad. I agreed with him, and then all of a sudden he started laughing at me and his face grew more and more hideous. It reminded me of those evil looking gargoyles that are a part of the architecture in old European churches. Before I could blink, the room was full of those hideous faces, and it terrified me! The man who was laughing at me grew louder and louder. Then I remembered something that Joe had told me in one of our conversations about God. Joe said that if I ever felt afraid or scared, to call on the name of Jesus, so I stood up in that room and cried out with all of my might, “JESUS, JESUS, JESUS!” Immediately the laughing and the hideous faces disappeared and a peace came over me. The next morning I went to the liquor cabinet to get my alcohol to take to the office for the day. When I opened that cabinet it had horrible stench to it, and it turned my stomach. Now I truly feel that when I cried out to Jesus that night, I was like that woman in the Bible who touched the hem of Jesus’ garment and was healed. The desire to drink left me. It felt as if there was a pure, direct line between myself and Jesus. I cried out to the Lord in a special way, and he immediately took drinking away from me. After so many years of being attached to that bottle, it was an incredible miracle that changed the course of my life for the better. Besides receiving supernatural help to clean up my language and be delivered from alcohol addiction, God’s power took away my desire to smoke too. I was in the real estate business and came in contact with many folks. I would try and witness to people about Jesus every time I got the chance. I was glad to be sober, but I still smoked heavily. One day while talking with a friend, who also smoked, he invited me to visit a hypnotist to try and kick the habit. I decided to go with him, but I had my doubts about it. When the doctor tried to hypnotize us, he mentioned that he was a Christian doctor. When I heard the word, “Christian…” my thoughts immediately turned to Christ and I felt that close connection with him again. Then, in an
26 Summer 2014
The Journey instant, I felt a tap on my chest, and I heard an audible voice that was either Jesus or one of his angels, that clearly said, “John, you don’t have to smoke anymore.” From that day on I never lit up again. These supernatural encounters with God have changed me radically, and have made me realize how compassionate, merciful and awesome He is. Experience has taught me that He stands ready to help us when we acknowledge our need. He may help someone else differently than He has helped me, but He will come to our aid. However, I also know that He works miraculously in our lives even when we’re unaware of it. This is something I became aware of when I remembered back to the times in my life when I should have died in car wrecks, and when I was shot at in poker games gone bad. I know that God intervened in miraculous ways to spare my life even though I didn’t deserve it. But the most powerful reminder I ever had of this happened when I was 42 years old, six years after I had been saved. In order to appreciate the significance of what happened when I was 42, you need to understand what happened back in 1950 when I was two years old. Polio made me a very sick little boy, and it didn’t look like I would recover. My fever fluctuated between 105 and 106 degrees. The doctors thought that I had spinal meningitis at the time, and treated it with different drugs, but the medications were not effective. Back then they packed you with ice when a fever spiked that high, but unfortunately all of the protocol treatment plans were failing, and I was in critical condition.
how loving and caring that God has been to me, even when I had no idea about who He was or how He works in our lives. God has continued to bless me through the years, even though I still mess up. I’m grateful for the many doors He’s opened for me, but the thing I’m most thankful for is how He’s given me a second chance at being a husband and father. I married my wife, Jan, on November 2, 1991. When we met, Jan had two wonderful kids, so now I’m blessed with an amazing family of four incredible children, and five precious grandchildren. God is so good! Through the years, I’ve come to know Jesus, not only as my Savior, but as my friend who I can talk to every day. What I’ve learned is you can’t bug God, He wants to hear from you. Now I truly have a heart for other people to discover God’s love and mercy like I have. If He can do it for me, He will do it for anyone. Because of what God has done in my life, I know that He can help others that struggle. Call on the name of the Lord and He will save you. He is a loving, forgiving, merciful God.
John Winkler, Boone
My mom and dad called my uncle, who was living in Virginia at the time, and told him how sick I was. That Saturday my uncle called a pastor that he knew well, from Wilkes County, North Carolina, and asked if his church would pray for me. The folks from this little country church in Miller’s Creek gathered that Saturday night and began to pray for me. Astonishingly, the very next day I was completely healed! The medical staff called my parents and told them to pick up their son, because I was well. What happened then was a miracle, but neither I nor my parents fully realized what caused my breakthrough until 1990, when I was visiting the uncle who my parents had called for prayer. I had gone to Virginia to look at some farm land that he had for sale. While on the mountain, we ran into some sawmill guys that my uncle knew. One of the owners of the logging company looked at my uncle and said, “Whatever happened to your nephew that was sick with Polio?” My uncle looked at me while pointing and smiling and said, “There he stands!” I was blown away. That was the first time I’d heard anything about that story. The man that asked about me was the pastor that prayed for me. It was a beautiful moment for me as I realized anew
27 Summer 2014
The Journey
God is the Center... My name is Alan Yawn, and I’m the Associate Pastor at Banner Elk Christian Fellowship. I’m married to my gorgeous wife, Amy, and together we have two amazing children, Owen, in fifth grade, and Annie, who’s in third grade. I enjoy coaching little league football, and I currently serve as Chaplain for the Avery County High School football team. My parents always took me to church, and I developed a close relationship with the Lord at an early age. A small voice in the back of my mind always whispered to me, saying, “You’re going to be a pastor someday.” At first I tried to ignore that voice, especially when I was in college. I never denied my faith in college, but I wasn’t seeking the Lord in any way, and I definitely wasn’t walking the walk. I graduated from Appalachian State University in 1994. I enjoyed college, especially my “15 minutes of fame” when I was the Yosef mascot for Appalachian State football, but after the college experience, I found myself longing for more. There was an emptiness in my life that could only be filled with the Holy Spirit. God was calling me to minister to young adults. I got involved with YoungLife and enjoyed ministering to kids both in Avery and Watauga Counties. It became difficult to try to lead YoungLife in both counties, so I focused on training leaders to take over YoungLife in Watauga so I could work in Avery. I was living in Avery at the time, so it made perfect sense to stay there. When I was coaching in Avery, I met Amy, who is now my wife. She was a youth leader at Banner Elk Christian Fellowship. Amy worked with the youth and would come to the high school to hang out with the kids. We hit it off immediately. We ended up helping each other in the youth ministry. She invited me to church, and I fell in love with that little country chapel. I worked with YoungLife for 13 years. At some point around five or six years ago, I started having some “off the cuff” conversations with Carl Clawson, the pastor at Banner Elk Christian Fellowship, about the possibility of getting into the ministry full-time. Last summer, when I was at the beach walking with my wife, she told me that she had a strong feeling that I was entering my last year with YoungLife. Different confirmations and lots of prayer led me to believe that the Lord wanted me to work at the church. I officially went on staff working with Carl Clawson on July 1st, 2013, as Associate Pastor, and I couldn’t be any happier. I love that God opens doors and takes care of his flock. God is constantly reminding me that He is in control of my life, and I claim that. I carry a story in my heart that is a perfect reminder that God’s eye is on the sparrow. Several winters ago, things were tight and Amy and I were out of money. I was on my way to a meeting in Boone, the roads were snow-covered, and driving conditions were bad. I was going a little too fast and slid off of the road. Both tires on the passenger side struck a big rock and went flat. I was beyond frustrated because I had to miss my meeting, I had two flat tires, and we were “flat broke.” I managed to drive to a nearby Exxon station.
In my house we emphasize that God is the center… and everything else will take care of itself.
I dreaded calling Amy with the news of my wreck, but she remained calm and assured me that something would work out. We both prayed and she came to meet me. After the wreck, Amy and I went to check the mail and we were left speechless. There was an envelope in the mailbox with no return address. There was exactly enough cash to pay for our tires, and a little left over to buy two cups of coffee! If that doesn’t increase your faith, nothing will! The Lord’s provision is enough. I feel like God has me right where He wants me to be, and I have learned to trust him wholeheartedly. In my house we emphasize that God is the center… and everything else will take care of itself. I’m trying to teach my children the importance of loving others and living their lives in a way that will draw people to God. One of my favorite verses, 1 Thessalonians 2:8, sums up this lesson. “…so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our lives as well.” I’m excited to be on this heart-felt journey with God, and I’m honored to serve at Banner Elk Christian Fellowship. We have an amazing congregation and a wonderful staff. God is moving in this church in a mighty way. I love my job title, but of all the titles that I carry, my very favorite three are, “Amy’s husband,” “Owen’s dad,” and “Annie’s dad.” These are the most precious things to me.
Alan Yawn Associate Pastor at Banner Elk Christian Fellowship
The Journey
29 Summer 2014
The Journey
Going on a Spiritual Pilgrimage This coming fall, from October 27 to November 6, I will lead my third trip to Israel and Jerusalem, and I am issuing an open invitation to all members of the High Country community and beyond to join me in an adventure that can change your life. Before I explain how, and why, this could be the trip of a lifetime for you, let me share my personal spiritual journey, which led me to pursue these traveling journeys to Israel in the first place. My mom and dad were believers in Christ before I was ever born, and they have always set a strong example of what it means for the power of God’s love to be of first importance in life. In other words, they talked the talk and walked the walk. There was no credibility gap between what they professed to believe and how they lived their lives. As I behold the many broken, dysfunctional families that exist in our society today, it makes me grateful to have been born into the family that I was. My parents were so committed to their faith, that every summer they would take our family to a cottage at a Christian and Missionary Alliance camp, where there was a continual missions conference. These meetings emphasized the importance of letting the whole world know about the love of Christ. It was at one of these meetings, at the age of six years old, that I made a very real personal commitment to become a follower of Jesus. From that point until now, the grace of God has enabled me to stay true to that commitment, in spite of the fact that I still make mistakes, and sin and stumble, just like the rest of the human race. However, I have a deep gratitude for the fact that my parental influence, my church heritage, and the continual work of the Holy Spirit in my life have protected me from many of the things in life that others have to be delivered from. There was a time when I didn’t think my testimony was as powerful as others, until I realized that there’s a “pre-deliverance” and a “post-deliverance,” and that it’s been a great blessing to experience the “pre” and not the “post.” Therefore, the testimony that God can save and protect us from an early age is actually a powerful one that can serve as an encouragement to those who are trying to raise families in the broken world in which we live. Being raised in a Christian home meant that the stories in the Bible were taught to me from an early age. I now believe that the Lord used the knowledge of those stories as a motivator for my desire to go to the Holy Land in the first place. Now I know from first hand experience how powerful it is to identify a real place with an event that’s been recorded in the Bible from ancient times. It’s one thing to read about Joshua fighting the Battle of Jericho and the walls tumbling down, but it’s awesome to go to the archaeological dig and see with your own eyes evidence that the walls fell out, not in. The story of David and Goliath is one that many people are familiar with, but to see the Valley of Elah where the battle between the Israelites and the Philistines was decided by a young boy named David, who slew the giant Goliath, brings a perspective that’s fascinating. Then, to see the town of Bethlehem where Jesus was born, the village of Nazareth where He was raised, Jacob’s well, where Jesus promised “living water” to the Samaritan woman He encountered there, the region of Galilee where He taught about and demonstrated the power of the Kingdom of God is truly awe-inspiring. Then, to see where He prayed in Gethsemane, the site where He was crucified, and the empty tomb where He rose from the dead, has an impact on one’s soul that can only be understood by experiencing it. It’s those types of things that differentiate this trip from any other sightseeing adventure a person might plan. Both of my previous visits have been a deeply meaningful spiritual pilgrimage for me, and it is with great joy and anticipation that I extend an invitation to anyone who would like to join me. You can contact me directly at my office by calling 828.264.2225. Or, for more information, visit www. templetontours.com, click on “Holy Land Tours,” look for Dr. Dan Meyer, and click on “brochure.”
Dan Meyer President, Boone Chamber of Commerce
The Journey
Work, Pray, Have Faith and Don’t Worry Brett Loftis is the director of a unique place of healing for many neglected and/or abused children from all over North Carolina, a majority of these children being from the western half of the state. Passionately, he shared his story so that surrounding communities could know more about this faith-based sanctuary for hurting children. “In my adult life, I have never known anything but kids. I first served as a youth minister before pursuing law school. After graduating, I was employed as a Child Advocate attorney in Charlotte, North Carolina. I had worked thirteen years in a law firm advocating for children before God called me and my family to Crossnore School. My wife and I were praying about what was next for our family; we were parenting two small children and seeking a slower lifestyle as opposed to the craziness of Charlotte. So in February 2013, God made it clear that I was to move my family to Avery County so that I could serve as Director of the school. It is a nice fit and a phenomenal place to live.” Of course, Brett cannot hide the rich, divinely inspired history of the school. It begins in a time when there were no paved roads and no public schools, and involves two Presbyterian missionary doctors, Eustace Sloop and Mary Martin Sloop. God had commissioned the horseback riding duo to Avery County to provide medical care to mountain folks in the surrounding area. They worked diligently in treating the sick, and were known for performing surgeries underneath apple trees. Then, it was common wisdom that one could not become ill or get an infection if the surgery was performed underneath the apple tree. They held on to that belief until their deaths. Dr. Mary Martin Sloop began to notice the numerous children in the area with no education, the many teenage girls marrying at twelve to thirteen years of age, and also, lots and lots of moon shining was going on. She couldn’t stand it—she knew the community kids needed a school. She began writing letters to her friends in Charlotte asking for clothes. She would then hang the clothes on her porch and sell them to the local women as a way of supporting the school; thus, Crossnore School was founded in 1913. As more and more kids learned of the school, it was not uncommon for children to walk a half-day just to receive the blessing of free education. It was then that Dr. Sloop decided that dorm rooms were needed so that kids could board rather than walking such long distances. She borrowed money from the local bank in Avery County. At some point during this time period, there were over 300 children living on campus while attending school. By the depression era, folks would come and drop off their children and leave them there knowing the children would be well cared for. This is when the school morphed into an orphanage. Dr. Sloop’s obedience to serving God as a missionary has left a permanent legacy. Crossnore School is celebrating its 101st year. Even in all the many
32 Summer 2014
years of operation, one thing has remained the same; the school has been non-denominational from the beginning. This philosophy opens up doors for all denominations to be involved with supporting the school. Dr. Sloop mandated a God-given vision, and it has not changed. Her philosophy on education is engraved beautifully on campus alongside a delightfully sculptured child. It reads, “A chance at a fine education is the best way to help children rise above their circumstances.” Brett is proud of what Crossnore offers to its children. “Crossnore is a place where we can wrap the whole child — mind, body, and spirit, in one location. Too often, one thing or another is provided (to) the children, to the exclusion of the whole child. So either somebody is providing spiritual guidance or someone is providing education or someone wants to give them therapy, but those things aren’t working together. Kids don’t come in parts or pieces; they don’t come in an education body, in a spiritual body — they need all those things in one place. They need to feel safe first, before school matters, and before God matters. They need to know they’re safe. The environment is very healing in and of itself; these kids come from chaotic living conditions and the aura of peace is ever present on campus. When kids first arrive here, their faces exhibit anger, fear, and sadness. After a period of time, kids start to relax. Their shoulders go down, their faces radiate, and they really start to understand that this is a place that offers healing. Sometimes it takes six months before my staff and I witness this transformation.” Crossnore offers a state of the art education. In the late 1990s, it became one of the first charter schools in North Carolina. The premise is that a public private partnership, along with the faith community, who all adhere to the belief that kids deserve better than abuse and/or neglect, is a win-win situation. The school has a capacity of 100 students. The cottages allow 80 residents, so the leftover
The Journey slots are up for lottery to the community. All of our students, both community and residential, wear school uniforms so that there is no distinction between the two. The average class size is eight students. All teachers are licensed, and over half have attained their master’s degrees. The goal is to provide an excellent education in a faith based sanctuary for kids to heal. This year Crossnore will graduate eight students, and all eight have been accepted into college. We are proud of our 100% graduation rate. (The 2013 graduation rate was also 100%). Three of the eight graduates are pursuing ministry as a career, i.e., youth ministry, child-family ministry, etc. Some 20 year olds still come back and live here at Crossnore during the summer because there is nowhere else to for them to live during the summer months. Only a sanctuary such as Crossnore provides this safe haven. Crossnore offers a phenomenal living situation. It is not a treatment center, but a children’s home, even though facets of a treatment center are in practice on campus. The campus covers 85 acres and has its own barn with rescue horses. Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is available to all children. There are six licensed therapists on staff to deal with the complex trauma that most of the kids have experienced. Each cottage houses eight to ten kids, along with the Cottage Parents. Some things are a given; every cottage has a rescue dog, and every kid owns their own bicycle. Here at Crossnore, we specialize in large sibling groups. These children can be fostered together in the same cottage, as opposed to being split into several different foster homes. Another worthy feature of Crossnore is independent living cottages. The largest feeders to the homeless population are from the foster care system. We offer a cottage near Mayland Community College, which offers residents the opportunity to earn an Associate’s Degree while reaping the benefits of being a Crossnore resident. This living situation encourages and supports responsible living. And for the spiritual piece, a gorgeous chapel sits on campus, and is attended regularly by the students. Each cottage also has a long-term relationship with a local church, and the students and Cottage Parents attend that church as a family. Dr. Sloop put it like this, “Work and pray. Yes, and have faith. Not a puny faith that any ill wind might blow away. Seek to emulate the utter and complete faith of the young and beautiful Nazarene. Jesus spoke always of God as the Father. We should know Him too as the loving and all-wise and all-powerful Father. And we should never hesitate to ask Him to help us. He will. Faith is the very cornerstone of Crossnore.” Her spiritual philosophy is alive and thriving at Crossnore School today. Through Dr. Sloop’s efforts, the concept of selling clothing to support the school is still going strong today as we operate a thrift store in which residents work and learn about the enterprise system. We keep the weaving store open to preserve the heritage of weaving. It is a busy, busy place during the summer, when many tourists come to shop the unique, beautiful merchandise. A coffee shop and café is another enterprise on campus that the school utilizes to teach kids to work and serve in preparing them for a successful adult life. The legacy of Crossnore School is best summed up by the founder herself: “So, where was I? Oh, yes, my philosophy. Perhaps it’s work and pray and have faith. And then, don’t worry. I’m not worrying. I’m not worrying about what’s going to happen to Crossnore when I’m gone. I’m only just a little envious of the one who’s going to have such a fine time helping so many marvelous things happen here.” - Miracle In The Hills by Mary Martin Sloop, M.D., with Legette Blythe For anyone who feels compelled to be a part of Crossnore, Brett is quick to say that there is one great need that the school cannot meet — visitors who will commit to visit on a regular basis and “adopt” a teenager who never has a visitor.
Brett A. Loftis, J.D. Chief Executive Officer The Crossnore School 33 Summer 2014
The Journey
The Importance A few years ago, K-LOVE radio challenged their listeners with this: using only one word, describe what you’re thankful for. My one word is “purpose”. Not too many years ago, Satan tricked me into thinking that I had no purpose, and I sank into a terrible place defined as depression. I wouldn’t begin to put a value on all I learned through that journey, and pray that I will NEVER have to suffer being that sick ever, ever again. My story goes like this. I was born in El Paso, Texas, at Fort Bliss Army Hospital. When I was three months of age, my daddy completed his two years of service in the US Army, and I was traveling with my parents across the desert when our car broke down in the middle of the desert. The temperature was 107 degrees and I didn’t cry, and that is when I set myself up to be the person who over-achieved, pleased everyone, and created happiness all around me. That served me well throughout my childhood. As I look back, I truly believe that I lived the best childhood possible. My parents loved me and provided me with all I needed and more, and I was cherished by my grandparents. I’m sure that my younger brother and sister would agree. Before graduating from Beaver Creek High School in 1978, I had made plans to attend college, but much to my family’s surprise, I got married! (In November of this year, we will celebrate our 36th year of marriage) In 1980, we celebrated the birth of our first child, and by 1988, we were parenting four children. I very much enjoyed being a mother to our children, but little did I know that I had not prepared from them to grow up.
In 1991, our family suffered several difficult hardships. The one that finally buckled me was when our youngest child began kindergarten. In the fall of 1993, I was not well. I didn’t know what was wrong with me, and couldn’t find a solution no matter what I tried. I thought I was crazy, and that I was hiding my crazy from everyone. Finally, one fall morning, I was desperate! I was living a nightmare, literally. In my desperation, I called Dr. Richard Calhoun’s office. I told the receptionist that even though I wasn’t a patient of Dr. Calhoun’s, I thought he might see me if she would relay the message that I was in dire need of medical care. I didn’t know that others could take one look at me and know that I was very sick. He agreed to see me, and I credit him for playing a major role in my recovery. He diagnosed me with clinical depression. I thought he was wrong — depressed people lay in bed with the covers over their head and refuse to get up for days at a time. I was like a hamster on a wheel that couldn’t get off. I couldn’t eat, sleep, drive, make a grilled cheese, pray, go to church, be alone, etc. All I could do was cry and be nervous. He suggested that I be hospitalized, but Ken and I were able to convince him that my biggest fear was being separated from my family. He then gave Ken strict orders that I was not to be under any stress. He prescribed me a heavy dose of anti-depressants, along with a counselor’s name. I was reluctant to take medicine, and even more reluctant to seek counseling, but I was so sick that I was willing to do anything to get better. Seeing the counselor was the best decision ever! She helped me own what was mine, and let go of issues which were not, but my biggest victory was acknowledging that I had lost my purpose. My kids were growing up, and with no more babies to rock, what was I to do? I recall lying on the bed one evening, glancing through the Wilkes Community College class schedule, and it was as though social work was
34 Summer 2014
of Purpose
The Journey
written in bold, 3-D letters. The next thing I knew, I was on campus of Wilkes Community College sitting for a placement exam so that I could enroll and study Social Work. I spent a couple of years there before transferring to Appalachian State University. In 1999, I earned my Bachelor’s Degree, at age 39. I then worked for the school system for five years, in a job that I loved so much. I was living life in my comfort zone when I realized that God was calling me to go back to school so that I could receive training to help not only individuals, but families as well. I know now that without my experience with mental illness, I would not be compassionate with those I serve as a Christian counselor. God has used all of my hardships to offer hope to others. Mostly, God has grown me into a different person than I used to be. I have tried my best to adopt an attitude of thankfulness. My blessings have made me rich, and I am wealthy by God’s standards. Most people my age have been orphaned, but yet, I have both of my parents living vibrantly, healthy, and self-sufficiently. I have never been hungry, cold, or homeless, without shoes or a coat. I received twelve years of FREE public education. I can read and write and do simple math. Excellent medical care is at my fingertips. I have running water, and it’s my choice whether I choose hot or cold. I am surrounded by a loving family and precious friends. I am free to worship as a Pastor’s wife thanks to the many Veterans and their sacrifices. I am blessed to say that my roots run deep in beautiful Ashe County. I live in a home, not just a house. I am so thankful that God called me to be the mother of my children and their spouses. I LOVE being “Gee” to my grandchildren. Finally, I am thankful for my husband. He has held my hand through each and every journey. God has been so good to me, and I am thankful for the difficult journeys, for without them, I would be ignorant in appreciating all of the blessings that He has endowed upon me. Oh yeah, did I mention that I’m thankful for purpose? “And we know that ALL things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 (KJV)
Kim Barlow Furches Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
35 Summer 2014
The Journey
36 Summer 2014
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Precision Printing................................................................29
Curves - Wilkesboro..........................................................21
Scott Brothers.......................................................................21
Deerfield Ridge Assisted Living...............................38
Shatley Springs Inn.............................................................17
Dougnet......................................................................................18
Sisters........................................................................................26
Dr Pepper...................................................................................5
Skyline/Skybest...................................................................36
Fancy Pants Thrift Store...............................................19
Smithey’s Cafe in Lansing...........................................29
Foggy Rock Eatery & Pub...........................................35
South Fork Baptist Church.........................................29
Four Gals and A Florist.................................................25
Stick Boy Bread Company..........................................35
Friendship Honda..............................................................40
Sunless Glow Tans Discreet Electrology............31
Garbage Disposal Service............................................12
Teresa’s Carousel Restaurant.....................................5
Gloria Sews............................................................................26
The Assurance Group....................................................29
Guardian Insurance.........................................................20
the Heart...................................................................................31
H & W Oil Company.........................................................20
Tipton’s BBQ.............................................................................2
Hardee’s......................................................................................4
Watauga Building Supply...............................................17
Hidden Creek Management.........................................11
Watsonatta Western World......................................36
High Country Insurance Services..........................35
Wilkes Vocational Services, Inc................................27
Hospitality House.................................................................4
Xtreme Gun and Pawn....................................................31
J & B Auto Repair............................................................26
The MSM & HC365 staff
The Journey
Brame Huie Pharmacy
38 Summer 2014