Wabash Christian Village held their annual Evening of Appreciation on Thursday, November 8th at First Christian Church in Carmi. This year’s theme was “With Gratitude” and was hosted to honor donors, supporting churches, auxiliary members, and volunteers.
Susan Smith Roberts was recognized as the Dr. Philippe Leadership Award recipient for Christian Horizons. Susan has been devoted to the mission of caring for residents at Wabash Christian Village, as a certified nursing assistant, for a notable 22 years. Susan was honored earlier in the fall at a banquet in St. Louis.
Jim Whetstone, Steering Committee Chairman, introduced the steering committee members and recognized Delbert Seals of West Salem who will be retiring from the committee. Delbert has been a committed committee member and supporter of Wabash Christian Village for 45 years.
Debra Biggerstaff was the recipient of the “In as much as you have done unto the least of these” awards. When Debbie retired as a CNA at Wabash Christian Supportive Living, she began volunteering one day a week, arriving at 9 am and staying until after supper. Debbie helps with laundry, serving meals in the dining room, and whatever else needs to be done. She is always happy to help. She loves to visit with the residents and is positive and cheerful. Debbie says she considers this a ministry and she shows the love of Jesus as she moves through her day. She certainly has a servant’s heart. We appreciate Debbie and all her many hours of service.
Ruth Pyle introduced the featured entertainment for the evening. Once upon a time two sisters, five and six years old named Riley and Rachael came to Wabash Christian with their mother Anita. They would come each week all dressed up in their Sunday best while Anita taught a Ladies’ Bible Class. They would stand by the piano and sing their hearts out as Mother played the piano. This was the beginning of the Peyton Sisters. One of their early desires was to meet and sing with Bill Gaither. A few years ago, Ruth was invited to go along with them and their parents, Jerry and Anita, to a beautiful auditorium in Paducah, KY. Bill Gaither himself called them to leave the audience and join him up on stage to sing a couple of number. They brought the house down with their performance. Both the girls said they could hear Ruth belting out “YAHOOO!”. Now at ages 16 and 17 Riley and Racheal have sung many more times with Bill Gaither as well as other well-known Christian artists such as Casting Crowns, The Martins, Jason Crabb, and Zach William. They are currently working in Nashville, TN with For King and Country’s producer. We were so glad they have never forgotten us “little people” who still remember them when they were just little people singing at Wabash Christian over 10 years ago. The Peyton Sisters did not disappoint and did a great job entertaining us once again!
Executive Director Sandra Bryant thanked those in attendance as “you are who make the ministry at Wabash Christian Village special. Outside of our donors and volunteers, the employees are our most valuable resource and it was a great honor for Susan to receive the Dr. Phillippe award. She was very deserving.”
If you would like to be a part of the volunteer team at Wabash Christian Village, please contact Jeannie Gossett at 618-382-2935
