Big Sandy couple honored

GCI members Jerome and Helen Ellard were recently named “Man and Woman of the Year” by the Big Sandy, Texas Chamber of Commerce. Here is the article that appeared on the front page of the local newspaper, The Big Sandy & Hawkins Journal.

Jerome and Helen Ellard were named “Big Sandy’s Man and Woman of the Year 2013” during the annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet in Big Sandy last week. This is an outstanding honor for someone to receive and especially a couple. The Chamber Board of Directors after consideration of several nominees from the community selected them as this year’s honorees. The selection was made on the basis of all around contributions to the community, not just for extraordinary performance in the individual’s business or employment. The directors were told that the nominees should have a consistent track record of accomplishments rather than being honored for a single act of merit. One of the keys to selection comes from the fact that the total person should be considered. Things such as general involvement in the community, public and civic service, organizations and church participations, outstanding special achievements, etc. The individuals selected should be ones who make personal sacrifices and give of themselves above and beyond the call of duty to help others.

Jerome is an elder in New Beginnings GCI where he and Helen serve on a ministerial team and are well known in the community for their service to others. They serve and volunteer out of a sincere desire to serve and not to be seen for what they do. “Let your light shine” can truthfully be seen in their lives. Our community benefits from the example that they set for others. Their willingness to serve no matter the area just reflects their faith and desire to encourage and help others to be lifted up. When you see one you find the other always serving.

There were dozens of activities and community projects listed that they have participated in during their ten years as a couple. Most of these are church related and carry over into helping to improve the community and spread the gospel through service to others.

They have always been individuals that truthfully meet the main criteria mentioned under the guidelines that states, ”be an individual who makes personal sacrifices and gives of himself/ herself above and beyond the call of duty to help others.”

Over the past four years three couples from New Beginnings have been named Man and Woman of the Year by the Chamber.