New Olivet:
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Memphis
The New Olivet Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee has been a part of the Ronald McDonald House of Memphis family for over twenty years. During each of those years, numerous times per year, members of its MOMs (Missions on the Move) Ministry have served the families of RMH by what many consider the way to man’s heart: his stomach! The MOMs team, consisting of church leadership and volunteers, prepare home-cooked meals for about 200 people when it is their time to serve at RMH. I recently sat down with church deacons Preston King, Barbara Conway and James Shine to discuss what exactly keeps the fire burning beneath the pots and within the hearts of this ministry.
Preston King joined New Olivet in the spring of 1991 and became the Missions Director shortly thereafter. He explains that when he took over the position Dr. Kenneth T. Whalum, Jr., New Olivet’s pastor (pictured), encouraged and entrusted him to make any changes he felt were necessary. King said the first change he made following his appointment was an increase in commitment to RMH. “Back then we had about seven or eight people going; now we are turning people away.”
Preston King joined New Olivet in the spring of 1991 and became the Missions Director shortly thereafter. He explains that when he took over the position Dr. Kenneth T. Whalum, Jr., New Olivet’s pastor (pictured), encouraged and entrusted him to make any changes he felt were necessary. King said the first change he made following his appointment was an increase in commitment to RMH. “Back then we had about seven or eight people going; now we are turning people away.”
They visit RMH between four and six times per year. On the day of their scheduled visit the MOMs team meets in the church kitchen at 8 am and begins cooking. Each dish is made from scratch, except the fried chicken which is purchased at Kroger. Laughter erupts at the table as I curiously probe about the fried chicken, a menu item that some may not find conducive to children battling an illness. My hunch is correct as King confirms, “some have asked me to change the menu but I won’t.” He shares the story of a young girl staying at RMH whom he was told had not eaten for days- until she was given a piece of that fried chicken. “Mommy, this is the best darned chicken I’ve ever had in my life,” he excitedly recites and recalls that she continued eating chicken legs while her mother looked on through tears of joy. Laughter is still echoing throughout the room when Conway adds, “When we serve strawberries and ice cream it’s a big hit, too.” King rounds out what is usually on the menu; it undoubtedly falls into the category of soul food. And whether intentional or not, it is clear through anecdotal evidence that this menu has indeed provided food for a few souls.
Collectively the reasons for New Olivet’s presence at RMH are clear: to provide a ministry outside of the church’s walls and uplift those within the Memphis community through service. However, each deacon agrees that on a personal level, they are actually the ones being ministered to and uplifted. Shine explains it is the level of excellence he sees at both RMH and St. Jude (whose patients are residents of RMH) that makes him celebrate life. “It’s infectious. Danny Thomas’ vision draws you in and his was the first hand. Every hand that’s been touched since (through his vision) gets infected with the desire to give.”
Conway speaks through a broken voice, emotional as she shares the impact RMH has had on her life. “The parents always thank us but I didn’t do a lot. No (I say to them.) We thank you.” She says that on her very first visit she reflected on the fact that they were serving very sick children but quickly saw that this did not translate into sadness. Shine, who is also having a difficult time containing his emotions, adds, “the children’s courage lifts us up. Their perseverance through hardship imprints on our hearts.”
“Pastor Whalum often asks, ‘Let me know when you’re tired,’ says King. He says his answer is always the same and is reflected in his plans for this year: “I plan to retire from teaching but won’t retire from this ministry. In fact, we are already on the calendar for six times this year and I’m hoping to add more.” As we all stand to leave King hands me a piece of paper and asks that I please include its words as part of the final story. He considers them the cornerstone of the MOMs ministry with RMH and of his own continued journey as a Missions leader:
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” -1 Corinthians 15:58
Conway speaks through a broken voice, emotional as she shares the impact RMH has had on her life. “The parents always thank us but I didn’t do a lot. No (I say to them.) We thank you.” She says that on her very first visit she reflected on the fact that they were serving very sick children but quickly saw that this did not translate into sadness. Shine, who is also having a difficult time containing his emotions, adds, “the children’s courage lifts us up. Their perseverance through hardship imprints on our hearts.”
“Pastor Whalum often asks, ‘Let me know when you’re tired,’ says King. He says his answer is always the same and is reflected in his plans for this year: “I plan to retire from teaching but won’t retire from this ministry. In fact, we are already on the calendar for six times this year and I’m hoping to add more.” As we all stand to leave King hands me a piece of paper and asks that I please include its words as part of the final story. He considers them the cornerstone of the MOMs ministry with RMH and of his own continued journey as a Missions leader:
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” -1 Corinthians 15:58