Some stories are quickly forgotten. Some stories make lasting impressions. In the last five years, The Call has been blessed to share many. Ever wonder what happened to some of the people in our stories? We decided to find out, by revisiting five articles from the past and asking:
Where are they now?

Story by Suzanne C. Hickerson

EDITION: NOV. 23, 2001
STORY TITLE:
"Why the Dishmans are Selling the Farm"

THEN: Rev. Clarence and Betty Dishman inherited a large family farm in Bristol, Va. When the pastor retired in 1998, he began investigating ways to leave a portion of the estate to Christian ministries. Though the Dishmans lived on and maintained the farm, they anticipated selling it for a sizable sum because of its location on Lee Highway (the asking price, at the time, was $2 million).

In 1999, the couple implemented a plan that would inspire clergy for years to come. A portion of the farm would be deeded to a "charitable remainder unitrust," with the Holston Conference Foundation named as trustee. Once the farm was sold, proceeds from the sale belonging to the unitrust would be managed and invested by the Foundation. The Dishmans would receive an annual income from the unitrust throughout their lifetimes, while the assets would benefit Holston Conference students at Asbury Theological Seminary and Asbury College for endowed scholarship funds. The Foundation for Evangelism at Lake Junaluska, N.C., and the Nehemiah Fund, which provides funds for church building projects, would also benefit.

NOW: After selling the farm in March 2005, the Dishmans are living just west of Bristol. "We just feel blessed in having property in demand as commercial property," said the Rev. Dishman, who has served as a minister for more than 45 years. "It was a matter of Christian stewardship." The longtime pastor hopes others will consider making a financial gift to the church.

EDITION: DEC. 20, 2002
STORY TITLE:
"Abingdon Church Folds Prayer into Everyday Outreach"

THEN: Bill Crump, a former preacher's kid, was a member at Carvosso United Methodist Church. His interest in origami led to an evangelism project at the Abingdon District church: Crump folded used church bulletins into prayer crosses. Crump and other church members wore the crosses around their necks, hoping to provoke conversations about origami and how Crump made the crosses. The goal was to give the crosses away, with a promise that church members would pray for the recipient.

Often, people resisted taking the cross, or wanted to pay or make a donation to the church. Carvosso wouldn't accept payment for the crosses, Crump said. "But I do tell them that they can come to my church and put something in the offering plate. Or they can give an offering to their own church. Usually that will lead to a conversation about whether or not they attend church."

NOW: When the article was published, the Carvosso congregation had distributed about 450 crosses. To date, Crump, who is 74 years old, has made more than 3,000 crosses for parishioners to give away. Recently, Crump was at a gas station when a man saw his cross and said, "I have one of those." Crump asked if he remembered who gave him the cross. The man said, "No. But I cherish it because I know it means that people are praying for me."

EDITION: NOV. 19, 2004
STORY TITLE:
"A Thanksgiving Testimony"

THEN: Pam Denton spent many years doing things she would regret and trying to recover from them. She struggled with substance abuse, broken relationships with her children, and was involved in an unhealthy marriage. At first, she rejected several invitations to attend Logan's Chapel United Methodist Church in Maryville District. When she finally decided to worship there, her husband made fun of her.

Although her faith was growing and she became a devoted churchgoer and Bible-study participant, Denton's life took a dramatic turn. Her husband came home after a night of drinking; he began screaming at her. After three hours of violent abuse, she was able to escape, finding shelter at a church member's home.

The coming months proved difficult, but the Logan's Chapel family surrounded Denton with love and support. She divorced her husband and began sharing her testimony with others.

NOW: Logan's Chapel continues to be a safe haven for Pam, who is now Pam Boland, following her divorce.

"They mean the world to me," she says, referring to her fellow parishioners.

"They, without a doubt, have become my family."

Boland continues to share her story in her district and throughout the conference. She finds healing in the telling of her experiences.

"I'm doing what God asked me to do," she says. "I'm fulfilling his purpose."

Boland is now working as an office assistant for a survey company. Last fall, she returned to school, pursuing an associate's degree at Pellissippi State Technical Community College.

EDITION: DEC. 19, 2003
STORY TITLE:
"Reason to Celebrate"

THEN: In the months following Mike Zukowski's retirement from teaching in 2001, his alcohol consumption increased. His drinking triggered a "delusional" state of mind, he said. At the end of 2002, Zukowski moved out of the home he shared with his wife and then 15- year-old daughter.

Zukowski's life continued in a downward spiral until he snapped in 2003. He became involved in the Celebrate Recovery ministry at Cokesbury United Methodist Church. The Knoxville District church helped Zukowski battle his addiction and depression.

NOW: Earlier this year, Zukowski celebrated three years of sobriety. He's remarried and celebrated his second anniversary on Sept. 11. He returned to teaching for a while, but this year says he enjoys being a "house husband." He's grateful for a second chance at life.

"Cokesbury is more like a hospital," he said. "The church reaches out to people like me. People have found that they can start over. Before, nothing had meaning to me. I was going through the motions of living."

According to Zukowski, the support program saved his life and helped him to rebuild his life and faith. One of the most difficult challenges was "being able to realize that I was forgiven, and all the damage I did was forgiven through Christ."

EDITION: JAN. 30, 2004
STORY TITLE:
"Look at Me Now"

THEN: Like a lot of teenagers, John Wilson faced several challenges. He was withdrawn, suffered from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and was assigned by the state to live at Holston United Methodist Home for Children.

During his four years at Holston Home, Wilson began to blossom. He participated in the Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) program, which taught him to fend for himself with a staff that coached him along the way. In September 2003, Wilson left Holston Home to live on his own and attend college.

NOW: Although there have been challenges along the way, Wilson, now 21, is pursuing an associate's degree in video production at Pellissippi State Technical Community College and is working full-time.

"It's been a roller coaster for the last two years," he admitted. During his first semester, Wilson failed all of his classes. With hard work, he bounched back during the second semester, earning As and Bs. Wilson received the "Most Improved Award" in spring 2005.

"If it wasn't for Holston Home, I wouldn't be the person I am today," he said. "It was my home away from home."

top