Page 47 - Senior Link Magazine Spring 2019- Online Magazine

Shortly afterward, a team of men Oh, one more thing. Bill was contacted Saying goodbye to a soul mate after six
under the auspices of Here to Eternity by a group at The Woodlands about decades of working and ministering
and the Plainview Area Baptist how to go about building a chapel together is always hard. Soon after
Mission, with Dr. Les Griffin providing for a prison unit. When asked why, Donna died, Bill’s sister, Doris, came
leadership, received cost estimates the response was for a ministry to live in a senior living facility in
and began raising funds for a chapel. called Jubilee that is for state jails and Plainview. Bill eats lunch with her
Bill provided seed money. Through transfer units, such as Wheeler/Formby nearly every day. He will tell you how
multiple regulations and inspections, where Kairos prison ministry does blessed he is. He stands amazed at
final approval was granted from the not go. They were using tents. Their the blessings over his life. His favorite
Texas Department of Criminal Justice. ministry was just what we wanted verse is Romans 1:16, “For I am not
With donations secured, the chapel to provide the Plainview units. Bill ashamed of the gospel, because it is the
was built. A community business helped provide the connection, and power of God that brings salvation to
donated the land preparation and this March we will conduct Jubilee #6 everyone who believes: first to the Jew,
slab. The chapel itself was built by the at Formby in the chapel. Bill’s son, then to the Gentile.” Bill never thinks
Retired Baptist Builders of Texas and Steve, has been a part of two teams. he’s done enough for God’s kingdom,
other volunteers and dedicated in the Together we’ve seen men radically and, indeed, no one can. But we don’t
spring of 2016. The Mayer Chapel and positively changed, men who may know of many who have done more.
at Formby is the only Texas prison become your neighbor one day. And, Well done, good and faithful servant.
chapel built mostly by volunteer labor. yes, Bill provided the initial donation
Thanks to Bill for his perseverance. as a seed for this ministry.

Lubbock Senior Link 47