Volunteer Highlights

VOLUNTEER HIGHLIGHT—
A Living Testimony
Mark Lambert

An interview with CREAA Volunteer Mark Lambert.

What led you to the Bryan Clay House?
I met John Augustine at an AA meeting and through John, I was introduced to John Means, where I was asked to become a Roundtable Small Group Leader for Roundtables at the Bryan Clay House. In addition to leading Roundtables, a few days a week I come spend some time with the men in the afternoons. I also have been known to smoke some ribs for the men and I take great joy in seeing them enjoy some good food and good fellowship.
How has volunteering at the Bryan Clay House blessed you?
I have been building relationships here at the Bryan Clay House, which gives me the opportunity to lead men from where I once was, to where I am now. I see myself in them, so it gives me a unique perspective to understand what they are going through; to connect with them in real way, and to do for them what someone once did for me, that has brought me to where I am now.
What do you see in the men at the Bryan Clay House?
I see hope in the men, a hope with a future. I see hope build in them as they begin to change. I see hope firsthand as the process of change begins, and as transformation takes place in each of the men. I am proud to be a part of their change, as they take the necessary steps to move forward toward a successful life.
What life lessons do you see at work at the Bryan Clay House?
I see the staff of the Bryan Clay House leading by example and practicing on a daily basis what they are teaching. It is a ministry to the staff, and I have witnessed their willingness to go the extra mile to impact the men who come to the Bryan Clay House.
And what would you want others to know about the Bryan Clay House?
I would want others to know that everyone deserves another chance. I would others to know that there is hope with a future for the men here at the Bryan Clay House, and that I am blessed to be a part of what God is doing here.

VOLUNTEER HIGHLIGHT—
A Heart to Serve
Robert Olson

Interview questions presented by Bryan Clay Residents, Brian Brown and Jeremy Bennett to CREAA Volunteer Robert Olson.

How did you come to know of the Brian Clay House?
My home is just up the road from the Bryan Clay House and my wife and I attended church in the building before it closed. One day I noticed activity going on and having mowed the lawn from time to time while it was vacant decided to check out what was going on and found out then that it was becoming a recovery center for men.
What brought you to minister at the Bryan Clay House?
When I found out that it was becoming a recovery center for men I offered to help and serve in whatever area they needed. Since I drove by nearly every day, I would stop in from time to time to see how the remodeling was progressing and offer my services.
What is your ministry at Bryan Clay House?
To begin with, it was anything they needed help with. One day I asked if I could sit in on their Wednesday night service and when I walked into the common area I noticed where someone had written on the whiteboard “Guest Speaker tonight Rob Olson.” Since my favorite topic is the Kingdom of Heaven it was a no-brainer. It also became an opportunity to continue to bring the message each Wednesday to the men.
What type of interaction do you have with the guys at the Bryan Clay House?
Getting to know their names is important to me and requires a lot of effort on my part, so just approaching them and engaging them in conversation is the best way to begin interacting with them. Since the Bryan Clay House is on the way to town, I will usually stop by to see if anyone would like to ride along. This provides an opportunity to get to know them better and see what’s going on in their lives. It is also a great time to talk about my favorite topic. I also love to cook and weekends are a great opportunity to see what’s in the freezer. A lot of the time the men will pitch in with a contribution or something of theirs from the fridge. Other times I just stop by and hang out.
Thank you Robert for all you do for CREAA and for the many seeds you are sowing into the lives of the men! May of the Lord of the Harvest bless you a hundredfold!

VOLUNTEER HIGHLIGHT—
A Living Testimony
Johnny Kuykendall

An interview with CREAA Volunteer Johnny Kuykendall.

How did you find out about the Bryan Clay House?
Through Albert and Bob at our Monday morning Men’s Breakfast at St. Andrew’s church.
What have you experienced while volunteering at the Bryan Clay House?
There are not many men or women that do not have some kind of problem. At least the men at the Bryan Clay House are trying to deal with their problems.
How has your experience impacted you?
It takes me back. You should never forget where you came from. In today’s world, it is so easy to get into trouble.
What are some of the key things you have discovered?
For the most part, the men interact in our meetings. This is a good sign that they want to change.
And what would you want others to know about the Bryan Clay House?
From what I have seen the program is working. I feel most of the men will come away from the Bry-an Clay House a better person. There is no reason to not make it in today’s world. With God’s help, I know that they can make it.
Thank you Johnny for all you do for CREAA and for the many lives that you are impacting. May the Lord continue to use you as a living testimony of resurrection life!