Expanding his ministry

By SUE ELLEN ROSS

Staff Reporter

RESERVE – Rev. George Williams came to volunteer work through his Aunt Viola Rogers. Four years ago, Rogers was a resident of Twin Oaks Nursing Home, and at that time she ministered to other residents.

Williams felt that, although his aunt’s work was admirable, a more formal program to reach more people was needed.

To that end, he joined two community leaders, Pastor Vernon Alexander and Rev. Kevin Fredericks, to form the ‘Voices of Freedom.’

The ministerial group began to visit Twin Oaks twice a week. Over the ensuing years, more men from the community joined to assist in the services. They continue to visit Twin Oaks to deliver the bi-weekly program. “When we first started, they (residents) received us with gladness,” said Williams. “And they still do.”

Williams’ volunteer work has taken him to many states throughout the years.

In 1989, he was on his way to a work assignment in Delaware and passed through Washington, D.C. The group he was with decided to make a stop at the infamous house on Pennsylvania Avenue. “We preached on the steps of the White House,” he said. ‘It was a time to remember.”

The skills that Williams learned while working in the Maintenance Engineering Department of the Air Force-Army Exchange Service in Oakland , CA have taken him far in his volunteer work. He retired in 1993.

“I’ve worked with men and women over the years that have taught me about many things,” he said. “Especially about ‘unity.’ God wants us to be united.”

After moving back to Louisiana in 1997, he became involved with The New Rescue Mission Baptist Church in Reserve. He currently serves as assistant minister.

No matter how full his calendar is, Williams always spends quality time with his two sons, Aaron and Germond Williams.

The Reserve resident has also carried his goodwill, cheery attitude, and sense of responsibility to the Western states.

He just returned to Louisiana last week from visiting his Aunt Leola Banks and cousin Margie in Richmond, California. His 90-year-old Aunt was a strong force in his childhood, he said. “She had a hand in raising me when I was young,” He wanted to show his gratitude by assisting his cousin with caring for his Aunt. His did just that, stretching his visit to cover four months.

Williams believes that volunteers receive many benefits as they give to others. “This is such a reward for us to come and share the love of God and His Word,” he said.

And the recipients also gain, he added. “They receive a comfort through God’s word.”

The Twin Oaks residents look forward to the Voices of Freedom and their message of love and hope. “They always tell me to please come back,” Williams said with a smile. “They would like to see us everyday if that was possible.”

In addition to the nursing home, the Voices of Freedom have visited some of the St. John schools, taking their message to the students.

Williams said there are many measures of success in volunteer work. One came to him a short while ago, when he ran into a young lady outside the LaPlace Wal-Mart store.

This student had been in the audience at one of the schools when Williams asked the question, ‘Where do you want to go with your life?’

“She said she never forgot my speech, I guess it got her to thinking about her future,” he said. The girl had moved to Baton Rouge and is now in college, thanks to Williams’ motivational talk. “She said it helped her to succeed in life. To hear that was total joy,” he humbly said.

The work of the Voices of Freedom is far-reaching, Williams added. “We also visit the local hospital and other facilities in the community.”

And they will continue to spread The Word. “Our theme song is, ‘God’s Word Will Never Pass Away,” said Williams.