New Conference

April 2001

Symon Olenczuk

First UMC

Elkhart

There have been a lot of good ones in my life. But a more recent one is Pastor Dave Schrader at First United Methodist Church in Elkhart. He stands out in my mind. In 1995 my father passed away in Chicago. Pastor Dave drove to Chicago in pouring rain to be with my family. He demonstrates Christian compassion and action; rather than just talking it, he walks it.

Norma Rush

St. Andrew's UMC

Syracuse

I think it was when I was a teenager, growing up in the First Brethren Church. The minister, Pastor W. R. Duker, played piano, and he and his wife encouraged me to do dramatic readings. Later on, they helped me to become a teacher. I taught for 31 years. I've always been active in church women's associations.

Robert W. Cloud

Grace UMC

Connersville

The man who married us, Rev. Wayland Seiders. But I remember him first while attending Youth Camp. Later we got involved in missions at islands off the coast of South Carolina. We supplied money for the people living there to grow vegetables, and a number of people from our church went to the islands to build houses on John's Island. We went for a number of years, and would spend about $15,000 each time on building materials.

Ruth Miller

Chandler UM C

Chandler

I can't name just one. A lot of ministers have influenced my life. When I was a child they led me to be honest and try to live a good Christian life. And when I grew up and was away from home, my ministers have inspired me to influence other people to follow Christ.

Rev. Joe Hines

pastor, 
Redkey UMC

Redkey

It is the Rev. Paul Hill. He served Christ United Methodist Church in Selma for 27 years. He used to come to visit my wife and me, and just loved us to Christ. He influenced me to "take the call," and has been a wonderful mentor -- my father in the Gospels. He is retired now, but we have stayed in touch all these years. He has been a dear, dear friend.