2001 Faith in Action Awards
The following awards are presented to individuals who inspire us through their faithful dedication. We humbly recognize them for:
"Your work produced by faith, your labor
prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus
Christ."
1 Thessalonians 1:3
Courtis Fuller of WLW was Master of Ceremonies
Robert Barbara believes, "If you are not giving - you are not living." He has been a jail chaplain for the last 10 years. During that time he has been exceedingly faithful in the ministry and ecumenical in his spirit. Over the years, Bob has developed a ministry of eyeglasses in the jail. That ministry is supported by his church, St. Vivian's, as well as many other churches. When a Chaplain or a Correction Officer find an inmate in need of glasses, their name is given to Bob. His giving attitude is apparent in the many other ministries in which he is involved - St. Vincent De Paul, Little Brothers and Friends of the Elderly.
Alice Coppins is better known at the Drop-Inn Center as "Motherdea." For the past seven years she has voluntarily shopped and prepared a meal, serving more than 150-200 people. Every fourth Tuesday, eight months of the year she relieves Earl the regular cook with a team of volunteers from Southern Baptist Church. Alice says, "Everybody should have a good home cooked meal. That's what God wants me to do - to cook." The Drop-Inn Center is not the only place she serves, she is a member of Southern Baptist Church where she serves as an usher and missionary. She also finds time in her busy schedule to volunteer at Oak Pavilion.
Carol Gartelman, for 19 years, has voluntarily returned to Norwood View Elementary every Tuesday to walk the Weekday children across the street. She knows each of the children by name and talks with them long enough to determine how they are doing and if they need anything. If so, she makes sure the principal and the teacher are aware of their needs. In the past, she has voluntarily returned to cross the children at Allison and Williams elementary. A Sunday school teacher at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Carol says, "I volunteer to be involved with all children and to help lead them in the right path."
Aaron Marshall began to serve in God's Bible School jail ministry at the age of 16. Since he was too young to participate on the Team, he faithfully selected and packaged the literature distributed in the jail. Aaron became a Worship Team member after his 18th birthday. Since then, he has completed 40 hours of chaplaincy training and, in 1998, received his Theology Degree. He now averages 15 to 20 hours per week in jail visitations. Aaron is presently pursuing a Master's of Divinity Degree at Cincinnati Bible Seminary so he can become a chaplain on the state level. For the past eight years Aaron has faithfully served, compassionately loved, and genuinely inspired those he has served at the Hamilton County Justice Center.
Sgt. Tony C. Vetere has mentored students in the Winton Woods Middle School for the past three years. In an effort to reduce juvenile delinquency and related crimes, Forest Park Police Department initiated Bridges as part of their Cop and Teen program in 1995. Tony has a definite heart for teens. He serves, representing not only a police officer, but as a mentor utilizing a non-threatening environment to help students with their self-esteem and anger conflicts. He also lends a compassionate ear to their personal concerns. Lt. Vetere says, "Youth based programs and positive interaction among youth can substantially impact the quality of life in our community."
Roy Johnson has a real heart for ministry to those
who are incarcerated - or shall we say "locked up." It is such a
passion with him that he will do anything he can to help those in jail or
prison. He writes letters to prisoners here and across the state. And,
thanks to Roy, his home church, Gray Road Church of Christ now has a
variety of jail and prison ministries. His passion and enthusiasm in the
area of jail ministry are so well known at the national level of his
denomination, that the 28th National Jail/Prison Workshop will be held
June 20-22, at his church. Roy is an intake counselor at the Salvation
Army Center in Norwood.
Mary Stewart is well known for her giving, selfless, tireless personality. For over 50 years members of Knox Presbyterian Church have marveled at her legendary dedication and enthusiasm. Rev. Alcorn said, "Mary is a true 'doer'. Her energy and perseverance are unflagging." Whatever she does for others, her labor is always prompted by love. For two years she arranged for and made sure a blind man had a ride to and from church. When a young man was stricken with a terrible illness she arranged a rotation of volunteers, as well as herself, to place dinner on their doorstep every evening. Mary's motto, "We can't make a difference everywhere, but, we can make a difference where we are."
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Last Updated 9/14/2002
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