Evergreen Gives Awards At Prayer Breakfast
December 2, 2003, For Immediate Release
For More Information, Contact Mary Ann Van Osdell,
Director Of Communications, 318-752-4190

Natchitoches dignitaries and people served by Evergreen Presbyterian Ministries gathered on Thanksgiving Eve at the annual Prayer Breakfast.

On hand were District Attorney Van Kyzar, Sheriff Victor Jones, State Rep. Taylor Townsend, mayoral candidate John Winston, Councilwoman Sylvia Morrow and Bobby Braxton, mayor of Clarence. Kathrin Holden sat in for Clerk of Court Louie Bernard and sang a song in place of the Shenikah Glory Praise Team due to the death of the father of one of the singers. Kinshanna Wafer sang “Alabaster Box.”

Beverly Rachal presided and Kathy Muder, pastor of First Presbyterian Church where the event was held, gave the invocation. Also giving greetings were two persons served by Evergreen, Melanie Starr and Phillip Lyons. Starr asked those in attendance to not drink and drive over the holidays.

Attending from Evergreen’s corporate headquarters in Bossier City were Dr. Anthony Roberts, Cathey Crow, Yvone Mackey and husband Danny, Bill Sadka, Mary Ann Van Osdell, Rev. and Mrs. Steve Casey and Robert Casey. Roberts said Evergreen is mom and dad and “family for everyone who lives with us and for whom we care.”

Evergreen is a not-for-profit service agency/mission of the Synod of the Sun, Presbyterian Church U.S.A., serving nearly 800 people with disabilities in five states. Evergreen has a vocational center and three community homes in Natchitoches.

Robert Collins, area supervisor, presented the Client of the Year award to Gary Smith, who likes to work through his employee break and has to be encouraged not to, and Most Improved Client to John Castille, who has not missed a day of work. Adrian Holden was chosen as Employee of the Year for being the “step-in” person, filling in wherever she is needed.

Theresa Vallien was guest speaker. Her message was that God forgives sins, heals disease, redeems us from death and crowns us with loving kindness. She said we receive these gifts without deserving any of them. She encouraged the 90 people in attendance to see people as a unique creation with their own talents and added that if you have experienced great trials, you’ll experience great praise.

Hosts and hostesses serving scrambled eggs, ham, sausage, grits, biscuits and orange juice were Barron Courtney, Wyonna Ladkins, Clara Caldwell, Billie Davidson, Debra Jackson, Ida McVan, Kim Presley, Gloria Freeman, Dorothy Jackson and Rowena Owens.

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