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CHM History
In Thanksgiving
by Francis MacNutt (from the January/February 2005 issue)
A most amazing thing emerged from our last Emerging Leaders Conference (September 20-24, 2004)! Several of those who attended were so fired up that they volunteered to come back to Jacksonville and fix up and improve CHM’s facility. During the conference they had visited CHM and noticed that its exterior was worse for the wear, so fourteen of them got together to volunteer to do something about the situation. As a result seven weeks later these generous workers came from five different cities in four different states to spend time at CHM painting the exterior of the chapel and Dearing Hall, bought a new refrigerator for the kitchen and donated some of the finances to do all of this—all on their own. They spent a total of five days making all these and other improvements which have dramatically improved the appearance of CHM.
They also had a wonderful time, even while working hard, and they developed such a happy community spirit that they are thinking of coming back to further improve CHM’s little center.
Naturally, we want to thank them and also mention that they would welcome donations to CHM earmarked for further improvements in what they are calling phase 2. If you, upon reading this, also are inspired with a desire to volunteer help when they return on the next trip, please contact Jeff Sampson at (904) 765-3332.
These kind workers and friends included David and Barbara Holmes (Wilmington, DE), Erwin and Carolyn Kranawetter (Newburgh, IN), Stewart and Debbie Hulett (Mt. Pleasant, SC), David Bateman (Charleston, SC), Jeff and Mary Ellen Sampson (Jacksonville, FL), Kathleen, Myka and Joseph Rodgers (Folkston, GA), and Steve and Andrew Yuhas (Mt. Pleasant, SC). Joseph Rodgers at 16 and Andrew Yuhas, 15 years old, were the youngest of them all.
From left to right: Judith MacNutt, Barbara Holmes (volunteer), with Francis MacNutt.
We at CHM want to thank these Emerging Leaders for all they did, as well as, the other Emerging Leaders' who couldn't be here but donated funds to this project. Have a blessed New Year!
-Francis MacNutt
What they accomplished: pressure washed the signs, sidewalks, etc.; stripped, primed and painted the front and side of the exterior of the chapel and training building; fixed a tin roof over the picnic area damaged by the hurricanes; replaced 5 light fixtures outside and two inside; cleaned and painted the cabinets in the training area’s kitchen and replaced the knobs on them and bought a new refrigerator; and even pulled some weeds.
Here are some photos for you to enjoy:
Steve and Andrew Yuhas, Mt. Pleasant, SC —Steve was part of the three-man group Dave Holmes first approached with the idea. Andrew is the son of Steve and was one of the two youngest volunteers at 15 years of age.
David Bateman, Charleston, SC —Has been a minister for 14 years, the last 10 years at the Isle of Palms Baptist Church.
From left to right (above): Steve Yuhas and David Bateman
Andrew Yuhas
Kathleen (not Pictured), Myka (left) and Joseph (not pictured) Rodgers, Folkston, GA—Kathleen was one of the attendees at the ELH— she also solicited help from her 2 sons, Myka 19 and Joseph 16.
Stewart and Debbie Hulett (above), Mt. Pleasant, SC —Stewart was doing telecommunications for businesses but is on sabbatical now, hoping to changed careers. Debbie does part-time real estate sales.
Erwin and Carolyn Kranawetter (below), Newburgh, IN — Both retired, Carolyn from a high school media position and Erwin from a financial planning position.
Dave Holmes, with the finished product. Barbara Holmes (pictured above with Francis and Judith), Wilmington, DE — retired from a Research Director position at Dupont in 8/04, just in time to attend the ELH in Sep. Barbara retired from a life of volunteer work—she and her husband are very active in helping their church run the SHP
