Fall 2018

When we think about the mission field, most of us think of faraway places,lands with different cultures and languages, eager for God’s word. The truth

is that there are many ways and many places to serve the Lord in themission field. Missionary Ricky McClenton found his calling and hismission field right here at home in East Texas.

Feeding the homeless in Tyler and Dallas, visiting patients in nursinghomes, and writing a monthly “encouragement” newsletter that goesto 500 recipients are just a few of the ways Missionary Ricky

McClenton serves the Lord. With non-stop motion, enthusiasm,and deep love, Missionary Ricky ministers whenever and

wherever he can, his infectious laugh and kindnessfull of the joy he finds in his faith and in his call

to serve.

To make a living and to finance his manyministries, Missionary Ricky works as a caretaker,

serving the same Tyler family for more than 30 years.He is devoted to them, and they to him for the loving care and attentionhe has faithfully provided for so long.

Missionary Ricky has been so busy caring for others throughthe years that he neglected his own health. “I was busy,

busy and I just wasn’t paying attention. I ate toomuch, and I was overweight and I just didn’t

feel good,” he says. That’s when a fellowchurch member told Ricky about

Bethesda Health Clinic.

A HEART FORMISSIONS

Continued on next page.

When Ricky McClenton was asked to be oneof the “celebrity cake decorators” at Bethesda’sBirthday Bash fundraising event, he was thrilledbecause he had been searching for a way togive back to Bethesda. He was inspired by thedifferent colors of M&Ms, reminding him ofloving God’s people, no matter their color, sizeor shape.

And “GIVE BACK” Ricky did! His cake sold for$7550 in spirited bidding at the auction, withdonors competing for the privilege of owningRicky’s cake, made in tribute to all God’speople, and made from the heart.

“What a GODSEND they have been!” Rickyasserts. Diagnosed with diabetes, Rickydecided it was time to get a hold of himself.“I went to Weight Watchers, and I’ve lost 85POUNDS! 85 pounds! CAN YOU BELIEVEIT?” he exclaims. “My diabetes is under controlnow, and I FEEL LIKE A NEW PERSON!”

Missionary Ricky gives all the credit for histurnaround to the Lord – and to BethesdaHealth Clinic. “I LOVE THIS PLACE” he says,practically shouting. “EVERYONE here is soNICE! There is SCRIPTURE on the walls,which encourages me every time I come. Thestaff and volunteers are so WELCOMING. Ican’t thank them ENOUGH!”

Thanks to the help he received at Bethesda,Missionary Ricky is still in the mission fieldgoing full force, with perhaps even morecontagious enthusiasm than ever before.“God has BLESSED me more than I EVERthought POSSIBLE,” he exclaims. “I give thanksto HIM and to BETHESDA HEALTH CLINIC!”

Continued from previous page.

We have an exciting and meaningful opportunity for you tosupport Bethesda Health Clinic and bless your colleagues,friends and family at the same time!

These Christmas-themed cards feature a beautiful renditionof our “Touch of Grace” angel on the cover. Each card alsohas a classic message of Christmas joy inside and includesan acknowledgement, “a gift was given in your honorby ___________________,” with a space for your name(s)to be written.

This is a great way to support Bethesda, to help us spreadthe word about the clinic, and to make it easier for you to sendcards this year. The suggested minimum donation per cardis $10.00 and delivery to your home or office is availableupon request.

For information contact Diane Thomason atdthomason@bethesdaclinic.org or 903.596.8353 Ext. 106.

Looking for the perfect gift for theperson who has everything thisChristmas season?

Standing L to R: Dexter Crosby, Denny Alden, Diane CooperSeated: Lela Eaves

Every Thursday from 10:00 a.m.to 1:30 p.m. you can findLela Eaves in the same placeat the same task, serving as anadmissions team volunteer atBethesda Health Clinic. She hasbeen in that same place and atthat same task since 2003!

Lela verifies applicant forms,makes eligibility decisions andassigns co-pays. While themechanics of the admissionsprocess are important to thejob, it’s Lela’s calling andcompassion for people that driveher. “Part of being a Christian isto help other people,” she says.“It’s what God wants us to do.”

“When Beverly Castleberryrecruited me to volunteer atBethesda, I thought I wouldn’tlike it,” says Lela, “and thoseearly days were hard. Iremember us all being in oneroom, separated only by flimsypartitions. But I loved being apart of Bethesda from the firstday I volunteered, and here Iam, fifteen years later.”

Bethesda staff and volunteerscall Lela “remarkable,” notjust for the length of herservice, or her compassionand commitment, but for whatshe has overcome in order to

volunteer. Lela has been adouble amputee for more thana year. She can no longer driveand rides a special bus to theclinic each week. “You know,the Lord has given me this workto do,” Lela asserts. “I don’tneed to be lying in bed. I needto be doing His work.”

The words “blessed” and“blessing” come up often whenLela speaks and when peoplespeak about Lela. “Lela hasa happy heart,” says DianeThomason, Bethesda’s Directorof Development. “Watchingher at work, always smiling andgiving to others is an inspirationand blessing to all of us.”

“Bethesda is a blessing to mein so many ways,” says Lela.“I am blessed to be able toserve. I am blessed by those Iam able to help and by all thecaring people at Bethesda.”

“Bethesda is also a blessing toour community,” adds Lela,“one of the greatest blessingsTyler has. I can’t think of anotherplace that does as much forpeople as Bethesda does.”

Thank you, Lela, for fifteen yearsof blessings through your serviceto Bethesda Health Clinic.

INSPIRING OTHERS

RINGMASTEROrbit Land Services

AERIALISTAustin BankAzalea OrthopedicsBancorpSouthBrickstreet PharmacyButler RacingChick-fil-ASouthern Surgical ArtsSouthside BankChip and Kimberly SwinneyThe University of Texas Health ScienceCenter at Tyler

ACROBATExpress Employment ProfessionalsDrs. Jason and Jennifer HolmanHome Instead Senior Care

UT TylerWorkHub

TRAPEZEEye Care Associates of East TexasParadigm Homecare

MYSTÈREBosworth and AssociatesEdward Jones – Randall V. ChildressGollob Morgan PeddyHealthFirstPatterson Dental SupplyRegions Bank

MYSTIQUEAVCO RoofingCavender’sCornerstone BrokerageDeron and Shannon Dacus

GG Distributing CompanyBillie HartleyJoel David JohnsonKiepersol Winery Merrill Lynch – Vicki SorrellBrad and Janel MerrittRagsdale & Martin OpticalRepublic ServicesLaurie RossmanTexas Bank and TrustTexas Oncology – Tyler

SPECIAL THANKSApril Moore Design StoreFRESHThe Potpourri HouseStitched Society MonogrammingSuper One FoodsTJC – Phi Theta Kappa

Mistress and Master of Ceremonies:Barbara Bass and Bryan Houston

The Ultimate Party Favors:Susan Robinson Fine Jewelryand The Blind Place

Event Photography:Donna Cummings PhotographyLightray Photoimagery

NOUVEAU CIRQUE

Pictured left to right: Rickey McClenton, Chris Leahy, Mike Cobb, Mike Harper, Sherri Soules,Ken Kaminski, M.D., Liz Ballard, Cathy Krafve, Aimee Massey, D.D.S.

When you make a gift toBethesda’s endowment fundor plan a legacy gift toBethesda Health Clinic, wewelcome you to membershipin the Jewel Society, a specialgroup of people whosecommitment to the missionof the clinic has led them tocontinue their support ofBethesda beyond their lifetime.

Named for Jewel Price, agenerous supporter ofBethesda in her lifetime, andthe donor of the first plannedgift to Bethesda, the JewelSociety celebrates those whohave made a gift to invest inBethesda’s future.

Please consider joiningCathy and David Krafve asmembers of the Jewel Society.Gifts of any size are welcomedand appreciated, and will helpto insure the future of thisbeloved ministry.

For information contactDiane Thomason atdthomason@bethesdaclinic.orgor call 903.526.8353 Ext. 106.

Wielding some major commitment, creativityand energy, Cathy and David Krafve founda unique way to inspire others to give toBethesda. Cathy and David understand theneed for both operating funds (money to beused for the Clinic’s operations today) andendowment funds (money to be used toinsure a stable future for the ministry). Theysaw the Bethesda Birthday Bash as a way todo both. Cathy agreed to be a celebrity cakedecorator, with proceeds for her cake goingto the Clinic’s operations. David agreed tomatch the amount her cake raised, up to$11,000, with a contribution to Bethesda’sendowment fund.

Prior to “The Bash,” Cathy asked her fellowmembers of the Bethesda Alliance to joinher in creating “Team Bethesda” bymaking donations toward an opening bidon the birthday cake she was decorating.

At “The Bash,” donation cards on each tablegave guests the opportunity to also contributeany amount they wished to Cathy’s “Team

Bethesda” efforts. During the evening’sfestivities, the cake went up for auction withfierce bidding, spurred on by the announcementof David’s commitment to match the fundraisingefforts. At the end of the night, Cathy and her“Team Bethesda” raised an astounding$20,000 for the Clinic’s operations, andDavid made his generous gift of $11,000 tothe Bethesda endowment.

With commitment, creativity and energy,Cathy and David Krafve encouraged othergivers, gave generously themselves, andhighlighted both the current needs of theclinic and the importance of thinking aboutthe future. “We are so committed to Bethesda,both now and in the future,” said Cathy Krafve.“We are so happy that others joined us on“Team Bethesda,” and we hope to encourageothers to give. You don’t have to be wealthyto give to Bethesda. You just have to love itsmission the way we do.”

Way to go, “Team Bethesda” and yourcaptains, Cathy and David Krafve!

TEAM BETHESDACathy and David Krafve inspire others to give to Bethesda

As Bethesda concludes its fifteenth year of ministry, weasked Dr. John English to share his thoughts about theways this ministry has touched him personally and sharesome special memories of these years.

How has your ministry at the clinicchanged you personally?I have learned to pray expectantly and wait on God forthe answers. This work has definitely tested my faith in amighty way. It has also allowed me to interact with somewonderful people who serve at the clinic, whose exampleof “faith in action” I wouldn’t have the chance to meetotherwise. They are my heroes.

What are you most grateful for?I am most grateful for the example of others. Thededicated board members from the early days justwouldn’t give up and persevered to lay a strong foundationfor the clinic to build on. There are dedicated volunteerswho have served this ministry, quietly and mostlyanonymously, for so many years. The medical communityhas been incredibly supportive, as has the faith community.Our staff is phenomenal! I am grateful to the patients whotrust us daily with their medical care and who work sohard to improve their health. They are our reason, ourhope and our lodestar.

What have you been most surprised by?The joy! Our patients have so many challenges, butwhen they share their determination, their inner joy andtheir connection with God, it is a gift and a surprise!

The adaptability! Everyone who works at the clinic or whovolunteers has faced challenges and changes and has hadto go to “Plan B” more than once, sometimes to “Plan C”,or to “Plan T”! They’ve done it with grace and enthusiasmand dedication.

The helping spirit of our nonprofit community! Thenonprofits in our community share a great workingrelationship, and many times it has taken all of us to helpa Bethesda patient overcome their obstacles.

Is there one special patient… or one specialmoment… that stands out in your memory?I will never forget the opening day of the clinic, eventhough I wasn’t there. Grace was volunteering as themedical director, and I was home with our kids. Afterspending two- plus years planning the clinic, I couldn’twait to get the report from Grace on how the day wasgoing. I had only one question for her. “Do you see thehandprints of God?” And she said, “Yes!” I still see thosehandprints. Every day.

I remember the first Dia de las Madres when there werehundreds of women lined up for services an hour beforewe opened the door!

I remember volunteer Dr. John Walker coming out of apatient’s room and stating that the patient needed surgery.“We have to help this guy,” he said. That’s the samesentiment we still hear every day. At Bethesda, we haveto help. With God’s help, it’s what we do.

A NOTE FROM JOHNReflections on Bethesda’s first fifteen years...And some thoughts about the future...

In the early days of Bethesda Health Clinic there weremany obstacles to overcome: Makeshift exam rooms.Sporadic volunteer schedules. Not enough money forsupplies or meds.

A big obstacle was how to overcome the concern ofsome physicians that they could not “afford” to volunteer.They had the heart to serve, but many were retired andno longer had malpractice insurance. What wouldhappen if a patient sued them or the clinic? Were their“good hearts” willing to take that risk?

Jerry Caddy was a member of the Clinic’s Advisory Boardwhen the question of malpractice insurance came up.He contacted John Minton and Tracy Crawford, bothmembers of First Baptist Church, and senior partners oftwo of the most respected law firms in the community.

In pondering the question, both Mr. Minton andMr. Crawford saw in Bethesda a charitable organization,working hard to take care of people. Bethesda had fewassets of its own and the physicians were willing to workas volunteers. The chance of a patient suing was unlikely;yet it was worrisome.

Mr. Minton and Mr. Crawford approached their respectivelaw firms and both agreed that they would donate legalservices in the unlikely event that the physicians weresued. Though both now downplay their contribution.(“We weren’t really doing anything,” they both say), atthe time their affirmation had significant meaning. Twoof the biggest law firms in Tyler believed in BethesdaHealth Clinic and were willing to stand behind it. Thememorandum of understanding they signed fifteenyears ago still stands.

“This was a way we could contribute,” says Mr. Minton,“and we all believed in the mission of Bethesda. We stilldo.” “What I liked then and I like now is that the patientsat Bethesda pay something for their care. That givesthem ownership and they appreciate that.”

Throughout Bethesda’s history, the right people havestepped up at the right time, time and time again,offering just what was needed to move the Clinicforward. John Minton and Tracy Crawford were twoof those people, doing their part to help this work,God’s work, serve His people.

John Minton and Tracy Crawford

A HISTORY LESSON...

WORTHTHERISK

409 W. FergusonTyler, TX 75702

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To learn more aboutthese events orBethesda Health Clinic,contact us at:409 W. FergusonTyler, TX 75702903.596.8353www.bethesdaclinic.org

Publication BoardManaging EditorDiane Thomason

Graphic DesignAutry Design

PhotographyDon BristowDonna Cummings Photography

Advisory CouncilKen DanceChair

Maxey Abernathy, M.D.Harold BeairdJerry CaddyTracy CrawfordSam Houston, M.D.Barry JonesRich KnarrThomas Lowery, M.D.John MintonMac MoseleyDavid Nichols, D.D.S.Ron Pinkenburg, M.D.Bill SkillernJohn SoulesWilliam Starling, M.D.Pat Thomas, M.D.Rev. Pike Wisner

Board of DirectorsRamsey StarksPresidentH. Don Smith, M.D.Vice-PresidentSue SaxenmeyerSecretaryTodd TuttTreasurer

Michelle BrookshireC. Shane ButlerRandall ChildressShannon DacusSteve Hillis, M.D.David KrafveFritter McNallyJohn MerrillAmber OwenJosh RobertsTim R. Smith, D.D.S.Larry StokesCharles Stone, D.D.S.Karen TidwellJoseph Woelkers

Todd Raabe, M.D.Board Emeritus

Rev. Pat MalloryBoard Emeritus

John English, M.D.CEO / Medical Director

Back row, left to right:John Soules Sr., Shane Butler, Gina Butler, Ann Hossley, Floy Haddox, Debbie Brattlof, Diane Thomason

Front row, left to right:Judy Soules, Virginia Finklea, Wanda Reding, Laura Houston

CHECK PRESENTATION FROM THE BETHESDA ALLIANCEFOR FUNDS RAISED AT THE BETHESDA BIRTHDAY BASH.

Special thanks to lead sponsor John Soules Foods, Bash Chair Gina Butler,Alliance President Virginia Finklea, and members of the Bethesda Alliance!