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God gives us gifts, and the
church helps us use them
by Bill and Ruth Hodge, story and photos by Ken Lawson
Ruth and Bill Hodge
have been using their gifts for seven years at First Baptist. While their
daughter Holly was at VCU, they were “regulars” and even joined Buddy
Hamilton’s class before moving to Richmond. After Bill retired, they moved
from northern Virginia in 2002 and joined FBC.
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After several
months, Ruth realized they knew little about FBC. Beyond a welcome
letter, there had been no orientation. They used their daughter’s
pictorial directory to match names and faces, but still wanted to
know more. One Wednesday evening, Ruth asked Dr. Flamming about it.
He admitted,
“We really don’t do much, but know we should. We just don’t have a
quarterback.” She said, “Well, I’m not much of a quarterback, but I
probably can help out there.” After Ruth met with staff, Steve Booth
worked with her to develop an orientation packet and get the New
Member Team started. Today, fifteen team members (“Fellowship
Friends”) visit all new members with a packet and pictorial
directory. Ruth stores church literature and assembles packets at
their home. She has kept a manual record of each new member since
2002; Bill backs these up on his home computer. |
“It’s one
of the most
enjoyable
activities we
have, because
we know the
box is going
to a child who probably has
never received
a Christmas present in
his life...” |
(Above: Bill holds a brochure promoting and explaining the Operation
Christmas Child program.)
Ruth and Bill introduced another mission initiative in
2002—Operation Christmas Child. Two Sunday school classes participated and
contributed 70 boxes. The next year, the program was church-wide. In 2008,
310 boxes were collected. Ruth says, “It’s one of the most enjoyable
activities we have, because we know the box is going to a child who probably
has never received a Christmas present in his life. It means so much to
needy children who live in remote places.” The Hodges coordinate the effort
and collect and store boxes in their garage for final delivery.
(Above: Bill & Ruth with collection boxes for Operation
Christmas Child.)
They have participated in international mission trips to
Mexico and Honduras and are active in Community Missions, helping with the
shower ministry, food pantry and clothes closet every week. On Sunday,
you’ll find Bill in the control room with the TV ministry. In their spare
time, they also stay busy keeping up with their four children and eleven
grandchildren! God does give us gifts and our church helps us use them.
(Above: Ruth holds a packet of church literature ready to
be given to new church members.)
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