Local pastor awarded National Evangelism Award
WAYNESBURG – At the 154th Spring Celebration of the Ten Mile Association for American Baptist Churches held at the First Baptist Church in Waynesburg on Sunday, April 28, Pastor Cathie Carpenter was presented with the National Evangelism Award for American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA).
“The award is given to a pastor or lay person who has a holistic approach to evangelism, someone who takes care of the practical needs of others,” said Carpenter, who is pastor of the West Waynesburg Jesus Distributer Church (WWJD) in West Waynesburg.
Pastor Cristy Wise, moderator of the Ten Mile Association and pastor of Bates Fork Baptist Church, Sycamore, nominated Carpenter for the award, which is given annually to only one deserving person in the entire nation.
“I saw Cathie in action over the years and realized that she helps others without asking for self-recognition,” Wise said. “She has a very humble heart. This is the first time I ever nominated anyone for the award and, as moderator of the Ten Mile Association, I contacted the association about Cathie, and they were very supportive of my nomination. They are also aware of the work she is doing for the Lord.”
As part of her ministry, Carpenter oversees the Franklin Township Food Bank, offers a free, six-week summer day camp, runs an after school program for children, distributes clothing to needy school children and works with the United Way to provide back packs and with Heart and Sole to distribute shoes to needy children before the opening of the school year.
“Cathie actually sold her Waynesburg home and moved into West Waynesburg to better serve her community,” Wise said. “She offers Bible studies, camps and retreats to let people know more about the Lord, and we are tickled to death that God is being glorified through this award.”
Carpenter heard that she was going to receive the award in mid-March by phone and email by representatives of the American Baptist Churches USA. The subsequent Spring Celebration on April 28 began at the First Baptist Church in Waynesburg with 160 people attending a pot luck dinner with baked chicken provided by the host church. The dinner was followed by a service in which 200 attended followed by the presentation of the National Evangelism Award to Carpenter.
Wise conducted the gathering with many of Carpenter’s family participating through song. Testimonies were received by Ruth Hobbs; Rev. Billy Wayne Arrington of Kingsport, Tenn.; Rev. Dr. Edward Pierce of First Baptist Church, Waynesburg; and Revs. Richard and Carol Visser, who flew in from Maine for the event.
“Rev. Arrington, who worked with me at camps and concerts, gave his testimony via a video recording,” Carpenter said. “Revs. Richard and Carol Visser had been pastors at the First Baptist Church when my family and I attended services there.”
Family members who attended the award presentation included Carpenter’s husband, James, her son Gregory, and four of her daughters, Jennifer, Lori, Jamie and Natalie. Eight of her 13 grandchildren also attended the presentation. Her son Brian was unable to attend.
Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Johnson, National Director of Evangelism American Baptist Home Mission Societies, ABCUSA presented the award to Carpenter. The award consists of a glass plaque with an enclosed clock meant to sit on a desk as well as $500. Carpenter said she intends to use the money for a trip to the Holy Land after her husband retires.
The basis for the evening was taken from Matthew 20 in learning to be a servant like Jesus modeled. The message was given by Rev. Dr. Frank Frischkorn, Executive Regional Minister of American Baptist Churches of PA and DE (ABCOPAD).
“The passage talks about Jesus washing the feet of his disciples,” Carpenter said. “It’s meant to be a lesson that he came to serve and not be served, which applies to ministers as well as lay people.”
When asked about how she felt about getting the award, Carpenter said “All I’ve done is to be obedient to what God wants me to do. I was shocked, but also very honored and humbled to get the award.”