Growing up Bellflower ...

I was an adult, working with the youth
before I ever realized the effort & love these people
had invested in my young life.

Diana Hancher (she's my cousin as well as a huge influence!), Millie Benefield & Sonjia Milner.

I balanced toddlers on my hips as I taught
because I had seen it done.


I've had patience with teenagers when others
simply thought of them as lost causes
but I'd already seen it done.

Bill & Sharon Cox, I loved to listen to them sing & play music.  In additional to their musical talent they were always fun, loving, patient & kind. Our trips to Magic Mountain with the Sunday School class are part of my most treasured childhood memories.

Bill & Alice Chamberlain were my best friend's parents. Hospitality reigned supreme in the Chamberlain home and I loved them both  very much. Their influence was monumental although I didn't come to realized most of it until I was a grown woman with children of my own.  Bro. Chamberlain has gone home to be with Jesus.

E.W. & Nancy Farr, when I think of them I think of stability and love. He had a heart for missions like nobody I've ever met. She was the Sunday School Superintendent for the Jr./Sr. High Dept. when I was a teen.  Always the same, loving but firm and kind. I loved and respected them both. Bro. Farr has gone on to be with Jesus too.

Sis. Johnnie Plyburn's words to a teary-eyed girl (me) outside a nursing home have stuck with me all these years. I couldn't have been any older than eleven. The smiling faces of the home's residents was too much for my young heart to bear. As tears filled my eyes, she gently explained how happy our visit and singing would make them and that I should try to focus on that instead of how sad it made me feel. Teary eyes dried, I was able to go on singing. I've never forgotten.

Of course there are many others ...

Bro. Bobby Benefield,

Joe Hancher,

Jim & Bonnie Flores,

Chuck Milner,

Terry Alongi,

(who has also gone on to be with the Lord)

Clara Llewellyn

(& Thomas Chai, who has gone on & I hope to see in Heaven)

"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ".

Philippians 1:3-6