This week in history: 2014

This week in 2014, the Greenville Advocate reported on a variety of local activities and events. Highlights included a YMCA camp transforming into a Wild West adventure and the global missionary work of a local minister.

• YMCA Camp Goes Wild West : The Greenville YMCA turned into the Wild West. Campers at the First Steps Adventure Summer Camp where campers had the chance to build teepees, learn roping skills and participate in cowboy relays. Michael Shaw and Jason Skipper served as special guests during Wild West Week. Campers, ranging in age from five to 11, were also engaged in science, technology, engineering, and math-related activities each day led by four AmeriCorps VISTA summer associates.

• Local Minister’s Global Mission : For 40 years, Charles Box traveled the globe to spread a message of grace and forgiveness. Box, the minister at Walnut Street Church of Christ, made two to three trips a year to countries such as India, Guyana, Trinidad, Tobago and Aruba. “I like going to English-speaking countries where they are not only eager to listen to the word of God, but where they need the positive influence of the gospel,” said Box. In these countries, Box managed to help build the foundation for many congregations and six churches. The funds to build the churches came from donations collected by the Walnut Street Church of Christ, fundraising efforts and private donors.

• Elliott Couple Finds Calling : For a time, Matthew Elliott and his wife Cody wondered why God had called them to Greenville. Matthew, the vice president of Trustmark Bank, and Cody, a teacher at Fort Dale Academy, don’t wonder about that anymore. The couple came to know it was at least in part to serve as youth ministers at First Baptist Church. “Coming from bigger churches of 5,000 and 2,500 [members] really made us wonder why God called us to the smaller church of First Baptist,” Matthew said. After the youth minister position opened up at First Baptist, Cody felt God pulling at her heart but still questioned if she and her husband were really the right people for the job.  A year  into the position, the Elliotts were thankful that God put them in this position to be able to spread the word to younger Christians. The plan for the First Baptist youth group was to make it a fun and light atmosphere where kids and young adults could be themselves and express their spiritual gifts.

• Children’s Book Illustrator Visits Library : The Greenville Butler County Public Library hosted Michael P. White, illustrator of children’s books The Library Dragon, The Secret of Old Zeb, and Harriet’s Horrible Day, at the library for a special story time and art program. Children joined White to draw and create their very own artwork. The library provided pencils and paper to those who wished to participate.

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