Take the Plunge by George Wright, Avery County Neither of my parents were believers when I was born. Mom was saved first and Dad soon followed suit. Mom witnessed with her words. When Dad was saved, he clearly became a new man. Their loving witness led me to accept Jesus when I was seven years old. Our new family in Christ began to love and serve Him daily. It was our heart’s desire to do what He would have us do. The Lord allowed me to attend Tennessee Temple University where I graduated with a degree in Bible and speech. But even greater than getting through such a fine Christian school was the fact that I met my wife there. I could fill five pages talking about my wife, Debbie. She is the godliest person I know. Nobody has a clue what having a wife like Debbie means when it comes to being in ministry. Plus, she is smokin’ hot!
38 Winter 2011
Called to the High Country After graduation, Debbie and I were hired at Teen Valley Christian Camp in Plumtree, North Carolina, which brought us to the High Country. The camp provided housing, meals, insurance and $150.00 a month as our salary. When I started as program director, my responsibilities included speaking to hundreds of kids. During ski season, many kids came to the camp. The kids would participate in Bible studies and, of course, being in a ski area, lots of recreation. Teen Valley Ranch may be one of the best-kept secrets in the High Country. It is a place designed to present Christ in a fun atmosphere of acceptance and love. That was drilled into the staff members: our mission was to try to connect with everyone and show them the love of Christ. New Mission, Fresh Passion In the same year I became Executive Director of TVR, our family became members of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church. My responsibilities changed in this new role. I traveled to numerous churches to inform them about the camp and was asked to preach in many of them. I found my mission changed as I spoke to men’s groups and others. I began to develop a real passion for teaching and preaching. I found great satisfaction in the study and delivery of what I’d studied that week. No doubt I was meant to be a teacher-pastor. Partnering with the Body of Christ When Mt. Calvary needed a pastor ten years ago, they hired an interim who was involved in his own local ministry.
