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“Me B

ud

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For a

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Servant SUMMER 2013

The

From Our Executive Director

Walt Dooley Edwin Griffin

Cecil Howard Lynn Howard

Bart Jones Scott Kent

Bill McLendon Drew Mentzer

Richard Mullineux Webster Olgesby

Roy Row Dale Sikes

Wayne Spangler

Directors Emeritus Ziden Nutt

Wayne B. Smith Sam Stone

Gary W. Spangler President

Carol Hundley Administrative Asst.

P.O. Box 310 Louisville, TN 37777-0310

865.984.5178

ccdmonline.org

Riverwood Campus

Rhonna Sanford Director of Services

Christian ChurchesDisabilityMinistry

CCDMBoard of Directors

2

“A preacher is walking down the sidewalk and he comes upon some boys standing around a stray dog. He says to the boys, “What are you guys doing?” Their reply is “We’re lying.” The preacher asks, “Lying?”

They said, “Yeah, whoever tells the biggest lie gets to keep this stray dog.” Well the preacher goes on a tirade about the state of our youth today and he ends up by saying, “When I was a kid, we did-not even think to tell a lie.” The boys paused for a moment and said, “Preacher, it’s your dog!” That’s my favorite joke and I’m proud my friend Wayne B. Smith gave it to me.

But let me tell you, this is no lie; the summer of 2013 has been the busiest, yet most incredible. We have had great groups come and visit our cam-pus this year. Groups that have been here many times and groups that are experiencing their first contact with adults who have cognitive disabili-ties; groups of adults and groups of youth. In this issue of The Servant, I have included an essay from one attendee, Monica Kast, whose life was surpris-ingly changed by her visit to our campus and re-ceived an award from the Governor’s Scholar of Kentucky for sharing her experience. Be sure to check out her award winning essay under our title, “How a Weekend at Riverwood Changed my Per-spective on Life.”

Continued on the next page

In honor of Given byJim & Norma Pierson’s Bill and Sybil Knight 50th Anniversary Greg Knight Jack and Dot Pickett Sam and Gwen Stone

Glenna Sandefur Paul and Suzie Greene Mary Helen Sandefur Steve and Denise Sandefur Tim and Ann Sandefur

Mortons Gap (KY) Christian Church

September 9th Scott W. 18th Kathy 23rd Rebecca October 16th Tom W. 25th Kenny November 14th Gary Lee 20th Paula 20th Glenna

We so appreciate your remembering our residents on their birthdays.

Please mail your cards to our residents at:

Riverwood Campus 3123 Pride Road

Louisville, TN 37777

Through July 31, 2013 In memory of Given by

Ginger Edwards Jack and Dot Pickett Jan Hudgins Jack and Dot Pickett Frances Purswell Peggy McCord Bob Whaley Jack and Dot Pickett Kregg Watkins Buddy Britt Peggy McCord Keith Williams Jack and Dot Pickett Coy Wisham Gene and Carole Kimbrell Ab and Fylma Witt Jim and Mary Witt

7

Through July 31, 2013

Gifts to Remember

Gifts to Honor

Our Residents' Birthdays

6

“Me Buddy?”

As unusual as that may sound, “You, me buddy?” is what one of our residents says after getting to know someone. It’s his way of asking if you are his buddy …his friend. We thought that this would be the per-fect name for our sponsorship program, because that is what we are asking…Will you be a friend to those who need help in order to live at Riverwood?

Since we do not receive any government funding, the families of our residents pay for a portion of their care when they come to live with us. As they be-come older, some of our residents are outliving the relatives who once cared for them, so we must find alternative ways of supporting them.

Please help us to help those who cannot care for themselves! You can help us provide the daily and spiritual needs for these individuals whom we con-sider family. Take action now! For more information, contact our Executive Director, Gary Spangler at 678-614-4115 or gary@ccdmonline.org or go to our website www.ccdmonline.org .

Be a “Me Buddy” now!

Gary Lee with his buddy, Heather.

3

We also had the opportunity to play an active role at the North American Christian Convention in Louisville, Kentucky, by leading the Respite Room for children with disabilities during the main sessions, having a booth at an incredible location, making many new friends, and presiding for eight workshops. Six of our residents were able to attend the con-vention this year, and seeing them sing with a few thou-sand other Christians was an incredible experience for the staff accompanying them. Paula, one of our residents, en-tered the big exhibit area, stopped, and with eyes wide said, “WOW! This is BIG!”

Our friend and Board Member, Roy Row, hiked the Appala-chian Trail to raise funds and awareness for Disability Minis-try. I finally had to pull him off the trail due to the heat index being at a dangerous level. His stories on the AT will make you laugh, cry and warm your heart. We will include some of those in the next issue.

And finally, we are working very hard doing all the ground work to determine if we can grow our ministry in Missouri. Working with any government agency takes a lot of time and patience…on both sides. With God’s help, we will see and follow His direction.

So please keep praying for us and enjoy this issue of TheServant as we all reach out to serve others for Christ.

In His Service,

4

Life has a way of surprising you, and two sum-mers ago is proof of that. My family decided to forgo a typical vacation and go on a mis-sion trip. I left home thinking only about my-self. When I returned home, I had learned more things than I could possibly imagine. Along with five other families, we spent the weekend working at Riverwood, a home in Tennessee where fifteen mentally handi-capped adults live. It was a completely new experience for me. I had never worked one-on-one with someone who had a disability.

Our plan was to help wherever needed. On the drive over, I was nervous. I didn’t know how to act or what to say. We ar-rived at Riverwood and were instantly welcomed. We entered the house, and had a “family meeting.” After introducing our-selves, we were off to work.

The things I came to do—help and serve—quickly took a backseat to what really mattered. I washed a van, raked leaves, and did laundry, but what I really remember is the people. An hour later, I stopped seeing their disabilities, and started seeing Don who loves to dance, Kim who loves ani-mals, and Scott who loves superheroes. They were so loving and accepting. They truly felt like family. Later we sat in the living room and got to know each other. Carol told me about her family, and Christy told me about her struggle with breast cancer. Like all family get-togethers, there were funny mo-ments. Christy proudly told me about her new bra, and even though it was nearly a hundred degrees outside, Scott insisted on wearing his fleece superhero pants all day.

The next day, we had a church service, which was one of the best services I’ve been a part of. We wore sombreros and put on a play. Seeing how openly and lovingly they worshipped was amazing. They completely changed how I look at people with disabilities. I know they’re like everyone else; they just do things in their own way. We all have disabilities — my eyesight

How a Weekend at Riverwood Changed my Perspective on Life

Monica Kast andher family visited Riverwood with

friends from Southeast Christian Church in

Louisville, KY.

Continued on the next page 5

Spotlight on our Resident Assistants

isn’t the best, my sister isn’t great at math, and my mom is rarely on time.

After many pictures and hugs goodbye, we reluctantly loaded up the van and headed home. I originally left home thinking I was going to help them, but in reality, they helped me so much more. They taught me about being happy and genuine, and I always carry that with me. This summer I went back for a second time, which was even better than the first. I learned about selflessness, faith, and happiness. My family grew closer and has new ideas about people with disabilities. Looking back, I know that even though I was reluctant to go, I could not have been in a better place that summer. Some-times you have to step out of your comfort zone in order to have incredible, life-changing experiences.

This month’s featured resident assis-tant is Micah McCrotty. Micah is from nearby Lenoir City, Tennessee, and began working at our Riverwood Campus in August 2009. He gradu-ated from Johnson University this past May with a Bachelor of Science de-gree in Counseling. He is now working with us full-time . Micah has a great rapport with our residents and it is great to see his genuine love for them. He even has talents not many people are aware of.

The art of “Raccoon Wrastlin” is a little known sporting event in these parts of Tennessee. While I have never seen it, I understand it takes quickness and wit to pin that raccoon…especially when it is in a trashcan. So if you get the opportunity to meet Micah, be sure to shake hands with this man and know that you are shaking hands with a legend. We are proud to have Micah as part of the CCDM team; and as a supporter of this ministry, you should be proud as well.

Micah McCrotty with Glenna at the 2013 Prom of the Stars.

4

Life has a way of surprising you, and two sum-mers ago is proof of that. My family decided to forgo a typical vacation and go on a mis-sion trip. I left home thinking only about my-self. When I returned home, I had learned more things than I could possibly imagine. Along with five other families, we spent the weekend working at Riverwood, a home in Tennessee where fifteen mentally handi-capped adults live. It was a completely new experience for me. I had never worked one-on-one with someone who had a disability.

Our plan was to help wherever needed. On the drive over, I was nervous. I didn’t know how to act or what to say. We ar-rived at Riverwood and were instantly welcomed. We entered the house, and had a “family meeting.” After introducing our-selves, we were off to work.

The things I came to do—help and serve—quickly took a backseat to what really mattered. I washed a van, raked leaves, and did laundry, but what I really remember is the people. An hour later, I stopped seeing their disabilities, and started seeing Don who loves to dance, Kim who loves ani-mals, and Scott who loves superheroes. They were so loving and accepting. They truly felt like family. Later we sat in the living room and got to know each other. Carol told me about her family, and Christy told me about her struggle with breast cancer. Like all family get-togethers, there were funny mo-ments. Christy proudly told me about her new bra, and even though it was nearly a hundred degrees outside, Scott insisted on wearing his fleece superhero pants all day.

The next day, we had a church service, which was one of the best services I’ve been a part of. We wore sombreros and put on a play. Seeing how openly and lovingly they worshipped was amazing. They completely changed how I look at people with disabilities. I know they’re like everyone else; they just do things in their own way. We all have disabilities — my eyesight

How a Weekend at Riverwood Changed my Perspective on Life

Monica Kast andher family visited Riverwood with

friends from Southeast Christian Church in

Louisville, KY.

Continued on the next page 5

Spotlight on our Resident Assistants

isn’t the best, my sister isn’t great at math, and my mom is rarely on time.

After many pictures and hugs goodbye, we reluctantly loaded up the van and headed home. I originally left home thinking I was going to help them, but in reality, they helped me so much more. They taught me about being happy and genuine, and I always carry that with me. This summer I went back for a second time, which was even better than the first. I learned about selflessness, faith, and happiness. My family grew closer and has new ideas about people with disabilities. Looking back, I know that even though I was reluctant to go, I could not have been in a better place that summer. Some-times you have to step out of your comfort zone in order to have incredible, life-changing experiences.

This month’s featured resident assis-tant is Micah McCrotty. Micah is from nearby Lenoir City, Tennessee, and began working at our Riverwood Campus in August 2009. He gradu-ated from Johnson University this past May with a Bachelor of Science de-gree in Counseling. He is now working with us full-time . Micah has a great rapport with our residents and it is great to see his genuine love for them. He even has talents not many people are aware of.

The art of “Raccoon Wrastlin” is a little known sporting event in these parts of Tennessee. While I have never seen it, I understand it takes quickness and wit to pin that raccoon…especially when it is in a trashcan. So if you get the opportunity to meet Micah, be sure to shake hands with this man and know that you are shaking hands with a legend. We are proud to have Micah as part of the CCDM team; and as a supporter of this ministry, you should be proud as well.

Micah McCrotty with Glenna at the 2013 Prom of the Stars.

6

“Me Buddy?”

As unusual as that may sound, “You, me buddy?” is what one of our residents says after getting to know someone. It’s his way of asking if you are his buddy …his friend. We thought that this would be the per-fect name for our sponsorship program, because that is what we are asking…Will you be a friend to those who need help in order to live at Riverwood?

Since we do not receive any government funding, the families of our residents pay for a portion of their care when they come to live with us. As they be-come older, some of our residents are outliving the relatives who once cared for them, so we must find alternative ways of supporting them.

Please help us to help those who cannot care for themselves! You can help us provide the daily and spiritual needs for these individuals whom we con-sider family. Take action now! For more information, contact our Executive Director, Gary Spangler at 678-614-4115 or gary@ccdmonline.org or go to our website www.ccdmonline.org .

Be a “Me Buddy” now!

Gary Lee with his buddy, Heather.

3

We also had the opportunity to play an active role at the North American Christian Convention in Louisville, Kentucky, by leading the Respite Room for children with disabilities during the main sessions, having a booth at an incredible location, making many new friends, and presiding for eight workshops. Six of our residents were able to attend the con-vention this year, and seeing them sing with a few thou-sand other Christians was an incredible experience for the staff accompanying them. Paula, one of our residents, en-tered the big exhibit area, stopped, and with eyes wide said, “WOW! This is BIG!”

Our friend and Board Member, Roy Row, hiked the Appala-chian Trail to raise funds and awareness for Disability Minis-try. I finally had to pull him off the trail due to the heat index being at a dangerous level. His stories on the AT will make you laugh, cry and warm your heart. We will include some of those in the next issue.

And finally, we are working very hard doing all the ground work to determine if we can grow our ministry in Missouri. Working with any government agency takes a lot of time and patience…on both sides. With God’s help, we will see and follow His direction.

So please keep praying for us and enjoy this issue of TheServant as we all reach out to serve others for Christ.

In His Service,

From Our Executive Director

Walt Dooley Edwin Griffin

Cecil Howard Lynn Howard

Bart Jones Scott Kent

Bill McLendon Drew Mentzer

Richard Mullineux Webster Olgesby

Roy Row Dale Sikes

Wayne Spangler

Directors Emeritus Ziden Nutt

Wayne B. Smith Sam Stone

Gary W. Spangler President

Carol Hundley Administrative Asst.

P.O. Box 310 Louisville, TN 37777-0310

865.984.5178

ccdmonline.org

Riverwood Campus

Rhonna Sanford Director of Services

Christian ChurchesDisabilityMinistry

CCDMBoard of Directors

2

“A preacher is walking down the sidewalk and he comes upon some boys standing around a stray dog. He says to the boys, “What are you guys doing?” Their reply is “We’re lying.” The preacher asks, “Lying?”

They said, “Yeah, whoever tells the biggest lie gets to keep this stray dog.” Well the preacher goes on a tirade about the state of our youth today and he ends up by saying, “When I was a kid, we did-not even think to tell a lie.” The boys paused for a moment and said, “Preacher, it’s your dog!” That’s my favorite joke and I’m proud my friend Wayne B. Smith gave it to me.

But let me tell you, this is no lie; the summer of 2013 has been the busiest, yet most incredible. We have had great groups come and visit our cam-pus this year. Groups that have been here many times and groups that are experiencing their first contact with adults who have cognitive disabili-ties; groups of adults and groups of youth. In this issue of The Servant, I have included an essay from one attendee, Monica Kast, whose life was surpris-ingly changed by her visit to our campus and re-ceived an award from the Governor’s Scholar of Kentucky for sharing her experience. Be sure to check out her award winning essay under our title, “How a Weekend at Riverwood Changed my Per-spective on Life.”

Continued on the next page

In honor of Given byJim & Norma Pierson’s Bill and Sybil Knight 50th Anniversary Greg Knight Jack and Dot Pickett Sam and Gwen Stone

Glenna Sandefur Paul and Suzie Greene Mary Helen Sandefur Steve and Denise Sandefur Tim and Ann Sandefur

Mortons Gap (KY) Christian Church

September 9th Scott W. 18th Kathy 23rd Rebecca October 16th Tom W. 25th Kenny November 14th Gary Lee 20th Paula 20th Glenna

We so appreciate your remembering our residents on their birthdays.

Please mail your cards to our residents at:

Riverwood Campus 3123 Pride Road

Louisville, TN 37777

Through July 31, 2013 In memory of Given by

Ginger Edwards Jack and Dot Pickett Jan Hudgins Jack and Dot Pickett Frances Purswell Peggy McCord Bob Whaley Jack and Dot Pickett Kregg Watkins Buddy Britt Peggy McCord Keith Williams Jack and Dot Pickett Coy Wisham Gene and Carole Kimbrell Ab and Fylma Witt Jim and Mary Witt

7

Through July 31, 2013

Gifts to Remember

Gifts to Honor

Our Residents' Birthdays

The

Ser

vant

and

Rive

rwoo

d C

ampu

s

P.

O. B

ox 3

10

Loui

sville

, TN

377

77

865

- 984

- 51

78

ww

w.c

cdm

onlin

e.or

g

Retu

rn S

ervi

ce R

eque

sted

Non

-Pro

fit O

rg.

U.S.

Pos

tage

Pai

d Kn

oxvi

lle, T

N

Perm

it #

573

Vol

ume

4 N

umbe

r 4

Sum

mer

201

3

“Me B

ud

dy?

”

For a

s litt

le a

s $25

a m

onth

, you

can

hel

p to

spon

sor a

resid

ent a

t Riv

erw

ood

. We

curre

ntly

hav

e fo

ur (4

) res

iden

ts w

ho n

eed

fina

ncia

l ass

istan

ce. I

f you

, you

r Sun

day

scho

ol c

lass

, sm

all g

roup

or

anyo

ne w

ould

be

inte

rest

ed in

hel

ping

one

of o

ur re

siden

ts, p

leas

e ca

ll us a

t 678

.614

.411

5, o

r vi

sit o

ur w

ebsit

e at

ww

w.c

cdm

onlin

e.or

gfo

r mor

e in

form

atio

n. W

e w

ill se

nd y

ou a

pic

ture

and

in

form

atio

n ab

out t

he p

erso

n yo

u ar

e sp

onso

ring.

Won

’t yo

u he

lp u

s to

hel

p th

em?

Servant SUMMER 2013

The