I first met Mary Evelyn in 1991, when First Baptist Roanoke, VA, went on a mission trip to put a roof on Villa Centenario church.  One of the first things I was asked to do was give my testimony at the first worship service after we arrived.  I was unsure about doing that and Mary Evelyn, said that she had read my testimony and the church needed to hear it.  Then she said, Gerri, a testimony is important because it is your story and cannot be argued as the Bible can be.  After that service 3 women came up to me with tears in their eyes and pointed to me, themselves and up to God.  Hugs flowed freely.  The next year Paul and I went back on our honeymoon to visit and paint the outside of the Sidney Sowell School kindergarten classrooms.  To say Mary Evelyn was the hostess with the “mostess” is an understatement.  The first night we were there she gave us a wedding reception compared to none.  She got the church women to prepare the food.  A 4 tier wedding cake, and music provided by Pablo and Hernom, Nellie Parofiorite’s sons.  Gifts, cards and well wishes that went long into the night.  We were delighted that they retired to Roanoke.  Mary Evelyn, had a vision of helping those less fortunate than she.  Christian Women’s Job Core and the Hope Builders Chapter with WMU of the Roanoke Valley Baptist Assoc.  was where she found her place of service.  Not only did she provide the leadership to establish the program that continues to this day, but she was a mentor and practiced what she preached.  One of her mentees  was Rebecca Meckstrouth.  When she first met her she was living in her car in Roanoke with her dog.  With Mary Evelyn’s support, encouragement and many prayers, Rebecca, found a place to live, attended Hope Builders, got a job and moved on to become a substitute teacher in Roanoke City Schools.  She completed college years before she fell on hard times.  She became a leader in a Sunday School class.  Later after her two sons moved to Oregon, Mary Evelyn and I took her to the train station where she moved to Oregon.  Frequent reports back from Rebecca is that she continues to do well.    For several years Mary Evelyn and I met at the track at the school near where they lived.  We walked and talked about the ministries we were involved in.  Also, we would meet frequently at McDonald’s and have Egg  McMuffin and coffee while we again talked and talked.  Every time I eat an Egg McMuffin I’m reminded of her and those times.  Paul and I treasure our times with John and Mary Evelyn and our lives are better for it.