This Month at PAYH: Monthly Newsletter, October 2019

This past month, Paul’s widow, Glenda, his daughter, Paula, and Glenda’s husband, Stephen visited Gorky Park for the first time to see where Paul had beaten the Russians 64 years before. It was an unforgettable experience. The refurbished amphitheater still stands in Gorky Park; they stood on the same stage.
This amazing performance in 1955 put Paul on the world map. Later that same year, he won the World Championship in Munich, Germany and in 1956 the Olympic Gold Medal in Melbourne, Australia. His notoriety throughout the world began with this competition in Moscow and the next week in St. Petersburg, then known as Leningrad. Glenda, Paula, and Stephen saw this weightlifting sight as well.
In the “Big House” on the PAYH campus, a drawing hangs on the wall of the second floor in a gallery of pictures and framed letters of Paul’s legacy. The drawing depicts Paul lifting a great weight with Jesus standing behind and over him with His Hands on the bar beside Paul’s. This drawing captures Paul’s self-description of his Gold Medal lift in the 1956 Olympics, found in the book A Greater Strength, Paul’s biography. It depicts the truth of Psalm 75:6-7, which Paul believed was the very reason he won The Gold Medal, even though weakened by a high fever which caused him to rapidly lose over 30 pounds in the short 13 days prior to his winning lift.
The Lord Jesus Christ assisted Paul in getting the winning weight overhead, answering Paul’s just prior vowed life-service-prayer to the King of Kings. It was an amazing lift, for Paul had failed in his first two attempts of the three allotted him. That same Jesus also lifts you up in the numerous vicissitudes of this life. Your lifting up by God is not necessarily as world-renowned as the case of Paul’s dramatic lift, but, nevertheless, it is just as critical to you in your own personal rescues by the Lord of Glory.

Will & Jackson
Two young men graduated from the PAYHprogram this past month. Will graduated September 13^th, while Jackson graduated September 30^th. Both of them came to us as unbelievers, and both accepted Christ during their time in the program, and both were baptized in the campus pool. Not only have they received a second chance in life, but through the blood of Christ they will now spend eternity in heaven. Hear their incredible testimonies at payh.org/will and payh.org/jackson.
United Way Kickoff
A few days prior to Jackson’s graduation, heshared his story with several hundred people on at the September 19^th United Way of Toombs/Montgomery/Wheeler Counties kickoff luncheon. Jackson was but one of several individuals who shared how non-profits supported by United Way helped “change the game” in their lives. This year’s goal is $550,000, and 65% had already been met by the end of the luncheon.
Haiti Trip
Steven Richardson, our Substance Abuse Counselor, recently took some time to travel to Haiti with his church (Harvest Time Faith Center of Vidalia). Over the course of the trip, they met with various missionaries in the Northern / Gonaives region to ascertain how they could best help their ministry efforts. It was his first trip to the country, and Steven stated that he was shocked by the extreme poverty, the abundance of resources, and the resilience of the Haitian people. They are in the process of planning a return trip.

USBR 21
While our main bike ride occurs every July, several of our riders continue to represent the PAYH Bike Ride year-round. Two of these, PAYH Bike Ride founder Mac Jordan and PAYH Director of Communications Stephen Nichols recently undertook a challenging mountain ride from Chattanooga to Atlanta along US Bike Route 21. While their intent was to camp their way down, they quickly ended up sleeping wherever they could find shelter after their tents were destroyed in a storm the first night. Still, they returned safely on September 29^th, having successfully completed the trip.

As many of you know, it’s been 25 years since Paul Anderson was called home to be with the Lord. This October, we are celebrating Paul and Glenda’s life and ministry with a very special Founders’ Day. The program will begin with a special presentation by strong man Tim Fox, who will be performing such feats of strength as bending rebar, breaking baseball bats, and driving nails through boards with his hands (which was one of Paul’s favorite’s). Afterward, we will have a father / son softball game with the PAYH young men. Kids can play in the bouncy house and slide, and some of our staff will find themselves precariously perched above a dunking booth. A delicious dinner, catered by Papa Buck’s Barbecue, will close out the evening.

As we look forward to the Christmas season, one of our favorite ways to celebrate God’s marvelous gift of His son is through our annual Christmas Dinner Theater, to be held December 5^th & 6^th at First Baptist Vidalia. During this time, guests will be treated to dinner and a special production of “It’s Never Too Late” showcasing our PAYH young men. Through them, we will get to know 3 soldiers from the Vietnam era: their hopes and dreams, Christ’s impact on their lives, and how through Him it’s never too late to make things right.
Limited seating available. For tickets, please visit payh.org/Christmas or call us at912-537-7237.

Our new Chief Operations Officer, Colonel Ken Vaughn, begins work this week and is planning to hit the ground running. With the full blessing of our founder, Glenda Anderson, Colonel Ken is committed to supporting Paul and Glenda’s intent for our home to be Christ-centered, striving for excellence in all we do. Founded on faith, strength, and discipline, Paul Anderson Youth Home is not a juvenile facility nor a prison farm, but an exceptional home, established by a champion, to give young men a second chance.
Speaking on his new role, Colonel Ken commented “I’m a big believer in Providence. After serving our nation for 32 years, I prayed that God would make me His instrument and give me the opportunity to continue to serve others. Through His perfect will, God has used my experience as an officer, volunteer, counselor, and father to prepare me for this role. I am grateful and humbled thatGod has called me to be here. The rest of my life starts right now.”
Please pray for God’s wisdom and blessing upon him as he transitions into his role and prepares to lead PAYH.

Hurricane Dorian
Our campus and young men were very blessed to be spared the destruction of Hurricane Dorian. There was no damage to our physical structures and no large trees were felled. However, for many people in harder-hit areas, the effects were anything but mild. The Bahamas suffered an especially large amount of damage, and relief efforts are currently underway. A number of organizations are involved, including Samaritans Purse. We ask that you join us in prayer for the thousands who have lost their homes and/or loved ones. Should you feel led, you can support the ongoing relief efforts at samaritanspurse.org.
Wings of Hope
On leave from the USMC, Barron, one our past young men, came to visit the PAYH young men. While he was with us, he took time to speak to the young men about duty, honor, his experience in the military, and how the discipline he learned at PAYHprepared him to become a Marine. He told the young men that they have an opportunity through Christ to make something of their lives, and to make a valuable contribution to society. Barron is set to deploy later this year.
Tait’s Graduation
We are incredibly proud of Tait and his achievement in finishing the PAYH program. His testimony is one of the best we’ve had the privilege to share. Tait went from living on the streets with no future to a life filled with new hope in Christ, as he was saved and baptized at PAYH this past May. Hear his incredible story in his own words atpayh.org/tait.
 
 
 
 
 

As many of you know, it’s been 25 years since Paul Anderson was called home to be with the Lord. This October, we are celebrating Paul and Glenda’s life and ministry with a very special Founders’ Day. The program will begin with a special presentation by strong man Tim Fox, who will be performing such feats of strength as bending rebar, breaking baseball bats, and driving nails through boards with his hands (which was one of Paul’s favorite’s). Afterward, we will have a father / son softball game with the PAYH young men. Kids can play in the bouncy house and slide, and some of our staff will find themselves precariously perched above a dunking booth. A delicious dinner, catered by Papa Buck’s Barbecue, will close out the evening.

As we look forward to the Christmas season, one of our favorite ways to celebrate God’s marvelous gift of His son is through our annual Christmas Dinner Theater, to be held December 5^th & 6^th at First Baptist Vidalia. During this time, guests will be treated to dinner and a special production of “It’s Never Too Late” showcasing our PAYH young men. Through them, we will get to know 3 soldiers from the Vietnam era: their hopes and dreams, Christ’s impact on their lives, and how through Him it’s never too late to make things right.
Limited seating available. For tickets, please visit payh.org/Christmas or call us at912-537-7237.

Last month we introduced you to the oldest member of the PAYH family; this month we’d like you to meet the youngest. Josh graduated the PAYH program in 1999 and, 20 years later, the impact his time at the Home had on his life led him to name his newborn son after our founder. Pictured on the right is Josh, his wife Patti, and his son Anderson Paul. Below you’ll find a short message from Josh testifying to the life-changing impact and the priceless difference a changed life can make.

There are people you meet that impact your life so significantly, you never forget the smallest detail about them. They make you want to be a better person, and aspire to impact as many lives as they have.  They allow you to feel safe, encourage you, and see talents you didn’t know you had.  I imagine Paul was this type of person. 

I never met him, but I feel as if I know Paul.  Stories of Paul’s thundering voice from the back porch being heard across the yard, instructing and leading the boys.  His intensity for life, love of God, and his passion to help troubled young men become productive and contributing men to society can be seen throughout the Campus.  More important than the stories, is the foundation on which He and Glenda built the Home. It’s that foundation, that shaped me.  The ethics, discipline, love and spiritual guidance I received at PAYH made me the man I am today. 

Anderson Paul Joiner was born April 20^th at 3:36pm.  His name represents something bigger than any one of us; it epitomizes the impact Paul Anderson had on my life, even though I never met him.  I hope and pray my son can be a man like Paul.

A man’s worth should not be judged by his job or possessions, but by his legacy.  Paul’s physical strength was unmatched; his legacy is stronger!

Thank you to Paul, Glenda, staff and everyone who has supported PAYH!

Sincerely,

Josh Joiner (PAYH Alumnus / May 1997 – Dec. 1999)

SEPC Goodness Garden

The ever-faithful Southeast Produce Council visited our campus last month to tour the campus and plant the garden for the spring. After planting a variety of crops and visiting with our young men, the SEPC members joined us for lunch and fellowship in the dining hall.

Higgston Baptist Church Cornhole Tournament

The boys had a blast last month with Higgston Baptist Church and Pastor Allen Rea, who treated them to grilled pork chops, coleslaw, baked beans, banana pudding, and other treats. After lunch they held a cornhole tournament in which each young man was paired with a church member, with Lane’s team coming out on top.

42nd Annual Onion Run

PAYH has been participating in the Onion Run since its inception, and our young men have become a regular fixture of the event. This year, like most years, they earned several medals, with Camden taking 1^st in his age category and Tait and Tres coming in with 2^nd and 3^rd.

Southeast Georgia Soapbox Derby

In 2017 PAYH was asked to be the pit crew for the Southeast Georgia Soapbox Derby, and they had such a great time and did such a good job that they asked us to make it a permanent arrangement. Last weekend they did it again, loading cars on trailers and changing tires throughout the day. Lyons City manager Jason Hall trained the young men prior to the event and provided them with breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

This year we are hosting the 26^th annual Paul Anderson Golf Classic at the River Club in North Augusta, SC. Over the past 26 years this tournament has provided several million dollars in revenue and has been a major part of our operating budget. To learn more, or to register a team, visit payh.org/golf.

As the old hymn goes, PAYH has seen “showers of blessings” this past month. The Lord has blessed us with faithful friends both old and new, opportunities to expand our reach in His Kingdom, and the financial resources to fulfill the calling He has placed upon us. 

We had the incredible honor this year of visiting with Ms. Lois, our oldest living supporter. At 105 she’s still youthful and active, walking a mile every day even as the “younger residents of her assisted living facility decline her offers for them to join her. Stearne spent quite some time visiting with her as she told stories of her days as a schoolteacher in Tift County before World War 2, the difference between cow’s milk and goat’s milk (which she learned working on her family farm), and her experiences as a high-school librarian. At one point she commented that it was “good to remember these things… I haven’t remembered some of these things in years. Lord willing, we plan to make the trip to see her again soon.

Stearne’s Graduation

Stearne, one of our young men, graduated the program April 1^st. While we will certainly miss him, we are excited about what the future holds for him. During his time in the program, Stearne learned the value of hard work, honesty, and integrity, and was able to participate in a wide variety of activities, including the Vidalia Teen Maze, visiting with donors, and riding on the PAYH Bike Ride. Now that he’s finished the program, Stearne plans to pursue a career as a welder and eventually start his own business. Hear his heartfelt testimony at payh.org/stearne.

Ogeechee Steel Visit

Our young men had an opportunity to learn a bit about the steel fabrication and construction industry this month when they toured Ogeechee Steel in Swainsboro, GA. President Janet Johnson and Secretary / Treasurer Brandi Perossa provided breakfast and fellowshipped with the young men before manager Rick Evans gave a tour of the plant and discussed the process of fabricating and constructing a steel building, services which they provide nationwide.

SEPC Southern Exposure

For several years, the Southeast Produce Council has been a wonderful blessing to PAYH as well as a faithful partner with us in ministry. This past month, at their annual Southern Exposure event, the SEPC presented PAYH with a check in the amount of $25,000, which Advancement Officer Victoria Shuman was delighted to accept. In addition to its sponsorship of our bike ride, golf tournament, and Christmas play, the SEPC sponsors the PAYH “Goodness Garden, which they will come to help plant for the 2019 season on April 5^th.

Fire Science

One of the objectives of our educational program is to expose our young men to a variety of educational opportunities and educate them on numerous career options. One of the more interesting courses available to our young men is Fire Science. Taught by Vidalia Fire Department Captain Robert Tillman, our young men get the opportunity to learn many of the skills and techniques employed in containing and extinguishing fires, as well as rescue techniques and proficiency with a wide variety of firefighting equipment.

This year we are hosting the 26^th annual Paul Anderson Golf Classic at the River Club in North Augusta, SC. Over the past 26 years this tournament has provided several million dollars in revenue and has been a major part of our operating budget. To learn more, or to register a team, visit payh.org/golf.

Hebrews 12:1 refers to the Christian walk as a race, and for those of us at PAYH, it has certainly felt like that at times. It’s been a busy month, as you’ll see as you read the stories below, but it’s also been a very successful month. We’ve seen wonderful testimonies in the lives of our young men, and tremendous financial success as the Lord has blessed us with not only a very strong end to 2018, but with positive finishes to both January and February.

Our 4^th Annual Chick-fil-A Vidalia Road Race was a smashing success. The weather was just right – neither hot nor cold, cloudy but not raining. Furthermore, we had our largest turnout yet with 584 runners. We’re looking forward to breaking 600 next year at our 5^th annual race. For full results, visit runvidalia.com or visit our Facebook page at facebook.com/runvidalia to see hundreds of pictures of the race. We hope to see you there next year!

Georgia Baptist Healthcare Grant

We are thrilled to announce that the Georgia Baptist Healthcare Ministry Foundation has selected PAYH to receive a $50,000 grant. Our Director of Advancement, Bill Shepherd, received the check at the GBHCMF Grant Luncheon on February 7^th. In their own words, “GBHCMF believes the Paul Anderson Youth Home ministry has demonstrated an active service that aligns with the GBHCMF’s core mission to demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ through the provision of direct health care services. For more than 100 years, the Georgia Baptist Health Care Ministry has offered a ministry of healing to those in need.

Zion Concert

Our young men enjoyed a unique experience when Christian musician Zion came and gave an on-campus concert. He had the young men’s attention from beginning to end and unapologetically shared God’s message of salvation. Through his lyrics and music, the Word of God was clearly communicated, and we believe many seeds were planted in their hearts that evening.

Teen Maze

3 of our young men (Stearne, Travis, and Lane) shared their testimonies at this month’s Teen Maze at FBC Vidalia. While all of their stories were powerful, Travis’ story especially resonated with the listeners as he told of a time when his friends wanted him to sneak out with them to party one night. Travis was unable to get free, and it ultimately saved his life as the friends he would have been traveling with were both killed in an accident that evening.

Southern Choices Day Center

We were blessed to have the residents of Southern Choices Day Center on campus this month for a tour and to visit with our young men. They seemed to truly enjoy themselves, and many had never been on our campus before. To learn more about Southern Choices Day Center and what they do, visit their Facebook page or their website at southernchoices.org

SOAPS “Spayghetti” Dinner

The Sweet Onion Animal Protection Society (SOAPS) hosted a “spayghetti” dinner last week to raise money to provide for spaying and neutering dogs and cats in need. For over 30 years SOAPS has been helping dogs and cats in Toombs and surrounding counties find adoptive homes as well as various other services for animals in need. Learn more at sweetonionaps.org.

This year we are hosting the 26^th annual Paul Anderson Golf Classic at the River Club in North Augusta, SC. Over the past 26 years this tournament has provided several million dollars in revenue and has been a major part of our operating budget. To learn more, or to register a team, visit payh.org/golf.

It’s been an interesting start to 2019; the month of January kept us very busy. Here are just a few of the highlights of this past month, as well as some things for us to look forward to. Thank you for partnering with us in this ministry.

Wild Game Supper

The PAYH annual wild game supper was a big success. We had approximately 75 attendees, who joined us for a meal consisting of deer, elk, dove, wild turkey, quail, gator, and even bear. Afterward, Kerry Terrell and Jason Beard of the KT Team gave us a great program, giving advanced tips on turkey calling, demonstrating numerous calls, and sharing a powerful testimony. To learn more about the KT Team and the ministry that they do, check out their website or their Facebook page.

Prodigal Child Ministries

Two of our staff members (Tim Ritchie and Steven Richardson) were joined by one of our senior young men (Travis) on a visit to the Prodigal Child Ministries, a Marietta-based organization that provides resources and support for parents of struggling teens and young adults in crisis. They spoke about PAYH and what we do, and Travis gave his testimony and let the parents there know that there was hope for their child in Christ. Afterward, the three of them stayed for an extended Q&A, which was a blessing for both PAYH and PCM.

Leadership Toombs

This past month, Leadership Toombs came to tour our campus and to learn more about who we are and what we do. Under the authority of the Toombs-Montgomery Chamber of Commerce, “Leadership Toombs-Montgomery is designed to bring together new, emerging and potential leaders from the area to address pertinent community needs, strengthen individual leadership abilities, and encourage participants to personally commit to assuming new leadership roles in the community. After the conclusion of the tour, we enjoyed a delicious meal courtesy of Papa Buck’s BBQ.

Whether you’re a competitive runner or enjoy a casual stroll, there’s a place for you at the 4th Annual Chick-fil-A Vidalia Road Race. Benefiting both PAYH and Winshape Camps in Vidalia, we are expecting over 500 runners to join us on March 2nd. Sign up at RunVidalia.com and visit the race’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/RunVidalia.
We can’t wait to see you there!

Whether you’re a casual golfer or just barely missed your chance at the PGA tour, the 26th Annual PAGC is a great opportunity for you to show off your skills or simply have a great time while helping transform the lives of troubled young men. We hope you’ll join us May 13th for a day of fun and fellowship. Morning and afternoon rounds, 4 man scramble format.

Tickets sales available starting March 1st. 

The future impact the Paul Anderson Youth Home desires is: To See Generations of Strong Families Serving Christ. In seeking God’s wisdom and direction concerning how best to achieve this vision, we initiated a formal strategic planning process involving both key staff leadership and board members.
Russell Ackoff has stated that “planning is anticipatory decision making that involves the process of making decisions prior to the action being required. As a team, we agreed that future impact is influenced by at least two things: the decisions we make today and the follow-up actions we take.
Our ongoing mission, the only reason we exist, is to help transform the lives of troubled young men and their families. By pursuing this mission daily and by focusing on our four core priorities, we are trusting the Lord’s hand of power and provision to provide the means to see this vision become a reality. We look forward to continuing our partnership in ministry with you during the coming year!

Christmas Play 2018
The PAYH Christmas Play enjoyed its largest attendance in years this past December. Jackson opened the program with his own original composition, “Youth Home Blues. From there, the play embarked on a journey to understand the struggles of young men when they first enter the PAYH program and how they find ways to adapt to their changing environment. Over the course of his experience, Jackson eventually learned that Christ would show him the way. As usual, it was a real treat for the audience. We hope you’ll choose to join us this for this year’s production on December 5th & 6th, 2019.

Christmas at PAYH
After a busy Christmas play week, the PAYH young men enjoyed some well-earned rest during Christmastime. During a break from school, our young men enjoyed numerous board games and various other fun activities. That’s not to say they didn’t keep themselves busy. They baked and delivered Christmas cookies to many local individuals, including the Vidalia police and fire departments, visited various local churches for special services, and each young man had an opportunity to craft hand-made wooden pens. When their families came to visit, our young men were able to give these special pens to their fathers as Christmas gifts.

The Lord saw fit to bless us tremendously this past year in many ways. In one particular way, He moved upon the heart of an anonymous donor to offer a $100,000 matching grant. We had just over 5 weeks to meet the challenge, but the Lord saw it through in only 2. May His name be praised!

Whether you’re a competitive runner or enjoy a casual stroll, there’s a place for you at the 4th Annual Chick-fil-A Vidalia Road Race. Benefiting both PAYH and Winshape Camps in Vidalia, we are expecting over 500 runners to join us on March 2nd. Sign up at RunVidalia.com and visit the race’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/RunVidalia.
We can’t wait to see you there!