Minister Timothy Muhammad met his wife, Alicia, in Mobile, Alabama. They have 6 children and 2 grandchildren.

Mike and Linda Helmick have been a part of the Eagle River/ Chugiak area for decades. Linda has worked with young children for her adult life, including years at Chugiak Children Services and foster parenting. In addition to their two oldest children, the Helmicks have adopted three more sons, each of whom experiences some level of disability. Linda and Mike also serve as foster parents for medically fragile children. In the last two years they have held, loved and nurtured three infants who had open-heart surgery. Infants thrive in her home, on her lap and under her watchful eye.

Brent and Phelecia Hatch have been married for 15 years and are an exemplary couple who are raising their 7 children (ages 14 years to 7 months) with strong spiritual values in a healthy climate of parental love and support. Several years ago they created the "Hug Card" and recently wrote a book entitled "Raising a G-rated Family in an X-rated World," which is fast becoming a parent’s favorite. Regarding parenting, Brent said: "By our actions, our children will follow us."

Terry and Vicki Brady have 8 children ranging in age from 24 years to 5 months. Their home is the center of their family enterprises and activities. Terry and Vicki¹s Home Education Network (HEN) Radio broadcasts two live national radio programs: Just a Mom and Homeschooling USA! They have become nationally recognized authorities on home schooling. Vicki authored the book Basic Steps to Successful Home Schooling.

Dorothy Perry of Liberty City started the Youth Progressing Inc. program more than 25 years ago. Her deep parental heart and service extends beyond her own 5 children; she provided a home for abused and neglected children who were literally growing up on the street, providing food, clothing, and a mother¹s love. One by one, at an average of 20 children at a time, she housed and raised 2,000 children.

State Representative Sharon Beasley-Teague described Lawrence and Frankie Arnold as "pillars of our community [who] serve as exemplary role models for parents everywhere." Married 54 years ago, they have 3 biological and 4 foster children. Every Sunday, 25 to 30 people are welcomed for a Thanksgiving-size dinner. Lawrence formed Boy Scout Troop 576 and served as superintendent of his Sunday school for 20 years. Frequently, he picked up kids from the street and took a carload to sporting and church events.

Serving God and mankind has been a staple for this couple since they were married 18 years ago. They have 2 sons. As ministers, they are on call 24/7/365, whenever there is a crisis or a need. Born in Mississippi in 1949, Fred Harris moved with his family to St. Louis in the 1950s. He later studied elementary education at Missouri Baptist College and obtained a degree in theology at Eden Theological Seminary in Kirkwood, Missouri.

Pastor J. C. Williamson and his wife Helen have been married for 10 years. All 7 of their children live in Indianapolis and work together to support their parents¹ service work. Rev. Williamson is a preacher¹s son who became a preacher himself. He had 10 brothers and sisters growing up and learned about family values, cooperation, and respect for others from that family environment. His son Carlton (23) has also become a pastor.

Richard and Yvonne Lyons have successfully raised 6 children to become hardworking and responsible adults. They have been happily married for 43 years. Both realized that it was important for Yvonne to be a stay-at-home mom and be involved in the children¹s activities. They provided positive examples of self-sacrifice for the well being of their children. They managed to provide as much as they could for their children without spoiling them and were examples of perseverance through difficult financial and emotional times.

Louisiana native and founder of Heart of Fire Ministries, Bishop Dan Johnson has traveled as a national and international speaker for over 23 years. In 1986, he founded the Gift-a-Child program in Louisville, Kentucky, which provides toys and other items at Christmas to needy children. In 1988 he sponsored a major outdoor concert event "Jesus in Theater Square" working with local churches, Mothers Against Drunk Drivers, and many other suicide and teen crisis prevention organizations.

The parents of 2 daughters, Thomas and Nicole Small embody unselfish love and service for their family and community. Thomas is the assistant chief of the Biddeford Pool Volunteer Fire Department and Nicole volunteers her time and talents to teach computer skills to senior citizens. Both are members of the First Parish Congregational Church¹s choir, and Nicole serves as the church¹s Web master.

Minister Don Mohammed and his wife Shirley have been married for 45 years and have 5 children, all of whom have graduated from major universities in the Boston area. Additional blessings to the Mohammeds include 10 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. "Minister Don" has consistently served as a bridge between the police department and the local community, and the couple has dedicated themselves to bring people together across barriers of race and ethnicity.

Roy and Amy Littlefield are rare examples of genuinely caring parents who think and live for others. Roy coaches his daughter¹s undefeated basketball team, and Amy coaches her undefeated softball team. Roy routinely leaves important business affairs to serve in the YMCA Indian Guides and Princesses program, designed to build special bonds between father and child. They have been active with their son in church school, Cub Scouts, and other coaching activities.

Trini and Shelly Montalvo were raised in Christian homes but were ignorant of God¹s principles. They both experienced what it is like to be disobedient and rebellious and now are experiencing the rewards of being obedient to these principles. Shelly became pregnant as a teenager and disregarded the advice to abort the baby or give it up for adoption. Instead, she married the father, Trini.

Richard Olson and Carol Watson have been married 18 years and have 2 sons, Leif (20), and Eric (14). Carol suffered a devastating ordeal 19 years ago: Her child was kidnapped. Nearly going spiritually and financially bankrupt, drawing on her faith in God, she persevered to find her child. She promised God that if she could get her child back that she would dedicate her life to her family and to helping others that suffer from the loss of a child. Finally she found her son.

Dan and Linda Frakes both overcame incredible childhood hardships to find a deep spiritual relationship with God and establish a solid, intact family as well as a successful business, Precision Vinyl. Dan¹s father was killed in a logging accident when he was in his mid teens; Linda suffered abandonment by her first husband but prevailed through abiding faith.

William Lacy Clay, Jr., and his wife, Ivie, have been married for 8 years and are the parents of 2 children: Carol (7) and William L. Clay III (6 months). During his 17 years in the Missouri House and Senate, Clay worked tirelessly on behalf of Missouri families, sponsoring legislation in areas ranging from education to health care. In 1999, he successfully sponsored measures that allowed welfare recipients to earn higher wages without losing benefits when making the transition from welfare to work.

Reverend Hilton and Arica McClendon define their ministry mission as "servanthood," and their family commitment to their three children in Billings and pastorship of the Hope Alive Community Church reflect this commitment. Rev. McClendon, who serves on the Governor¹s Commission for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, has served as director of the Stand Against Drugs and Violence March, attracting local church and law enforcement elders to seek solutions to the struggles of youth in the state.

James and Belinda Hunter are active and committed parents who have taught their children by their example. Rev. Hunter is very active in the service of others, both in his church as assistant pastor of Robinson Memorial COGIC, and in the community at large. He is president of the Omaha chapter of MAD DADS, an organization with an impressive track record of providing hope and direction to youth in the inner city. In addition, he works with numerous efforts to help youth and families in the Omaha area, such as the Nebraska Fatherhood Initiative, the Urban League and Promise Keepers. Belinda is accomplished as well as owner and operator of a successful day care called "Angels in Training."

David and Janis Rowberry decided to base their marriage on the principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They will celebrate their thirtieth anniversary August 18. They have 7 children, ages 28 to 14. David and Janis are recognized for their commitment to live and teach moral principles. They involve themselves in groups and activities that promote and defend these principles. David has testified on moral issues before the Nevada State Assembly, founded the Nevada Abstinence Coalition, and is a leader of the Nevada Teen Pregnancy Prevention Team.

The Walkers both completed successful careers of public service ­ Rodney as a teacher and school principal, Colleen as a nurse ­ yet the couple continued service to their community as director of nutrition in a local service project and outreach director at a senior center. The parents of 3 grown children, the Walkers are also active in their church, where Colleen is choir director.

Charles and Lillian Bell have been married for 37 years and have 3 grown children and 4 grandchildren. Charles was formerly employed as a chemist. However, a veteran of the civil rights movement, he responded to a calling to public service and has since served as the president of the Newark Board of Education, president of the Newark Housing Authority Scholarship Fund, and vice president of Project Pride.

Pastor John Curcio and his wife, Laurie, have been married for 20 years. Graduates from the Rhema Bible Training Institute and Oral Roberts University, they have 3 children who are all involved in various ministries ­ even daughter Grace Ann who is only 7! Having raised their children in the ministry, the center of their life is God and helping others.

Willie and Lottie Davis stress that "God, family, and an education are three of the most important keys to success." Bishop Davis, pastor of Christ Rescue Temple Apostolic Church, sometimes worked two and three jobs to support his 6 children, who all attended college, and several non-biological children, along with service nationally and internationally to other children in need.

Dale Vitalis and Luella Berg raised their 4 children (Kathryn, Susan, Elizabeth, and Steven) in a family where love and strong Christian values were modeled and taught. During much of his life, Dale has been working with children and youth. During his 43 years as a pastor, he has spent much time with families and especially youth at Bible camps, vacation Bible school, and confirmation classes. He modeled Gods¹ love and faith and demonstrated Christ¹s care for others and has been a mentor to innumerable people of all ages throughout his life.

Curtis and Dorothy Richardson have been married for 42 years and raised 4 children, providing a model of forgiveness and understanding while standing firmly against the evils of racism. In the 1970s, the Richardson’s were active in the civil rights movement when Curtis was appointed to a leadership position in the railroad yard where he worked. Racial tensions were high, and some workers who were angered by Curtis’ promotion caused an accident in which he lost his leg. On his way to the hospital he sang "Amazing Grace" and asked God to forgive those who had hurt him.

When he was well, Curtis and Dorothy started radio and television programs calling for reconciliation, peace, and justice. They played a pivotal role in helping to desegregate Portsmouth, reaching out to whites as well as blacks. Curtis became the first graduate of the black studies program at Ohio University and later continued his education with the support of his wife. Tragically, when he was on a trip with a church group, Curtis was involved in an accident. As he helped others to safety, he was struck by a bus.

Paul and Catherine Duong have been married 30 years and have 3 children. Paul directs the Refugee and Immigrant Coordination Program in Portland, helping refugees and immigrants understand and use city services and fostering their humane and effective resettlement. He assists city agencies in better serving the refugee/immigrant communities.

The parents of two young children, Peter and Pattie Marshall have dedicated the last 20 years of their lives in service to the residents of Rhode Island and the New England area. Peter is currently the executive director of the East Providence Community Center, which serves hundreds of needy families, as well as president of the East Providence Rotary Club. In addition, he serves on the board of the East Bay Out of School Youth Committee, which was launched to help high-school dropouts earn their GED and start on the pathway to college, and he coaches his son¹s soccer team.

Bishop Dr. P.H. Smith and his wife, Josephine, have been married 37 years. Their 2 children, Patrick and Josephine, are deceased. They have 2 grandchildren. Bishop Smith founded Holy Spirit Temple in 1983. The present location started as a house holding approximately 50 people. Today the Temple has been completely remodeled and can accommodate 700 persons.

From adversity of childhood abuse and severe domestic violence that left her disabled prior to her marriage to Reverend Deans, Carol founded the Network for Women in Crisis, a Christian domestic violence and sexual abuse support center for women. She also serves on Governor James Gilmore¹s Speakers’ Bureau for Victims Rights. Rev. Dr. Jack Deans is pastor of Terrance View Church and professor at Liberty University in Lynchburg, where he is recognized for having a profound and positive effect on the students’ moral and spiritual growth.

Ray and Julie Willaford have 2 children: Patrick (10) and Mara (8). Patrick was born with Down¹s syndrome. He has been a catalyst for Julie¹s activities helping other families with emotional and community support and resources. They promote the idea of husbands and wives planning activities together and families supporting other families. Ray is involved in Circle of Support and Fathers of Children with Disabilities.

When Robert E Gidney entered the University of Kansas School of Business, he sensed that a larger reality was going to take place in his life. While working as district manager for the Virgin Islands Telephone Company in St. Croix, he felt the calling of Christ and began pastoring to families at the Bethel AME Church, in Bluefield, West Virginia, in 1981. He served that community for 7 years.

With the move to Charles Town, West Virginia, Rev. Gidney became the pastor of Mt. Zion AME Church in Duffields. Rev. Robert and Shirley Gidney have been married for 43 years. Though they could only have two of their own children, James and John, the Gidney’s foster parented six children. Even after the loss of their oldest son, James, in an accident, Robert and Shirley demonstrated their resolve by being loving and caring foster parents.

Even today, in spite of their advanced age, they continue to counsel and guide young couples while giving love and care to a 15-year-old foster child.

Gerald and Helen Martin believed they had been specially blessed by God. They had had 10 normal, healthy children who grew up to be loving, caring adults. Gerald and Helen purchased a large farm so that it could be home for many of their adult children. Then they decided to share their family and good fortune with children who needed them. The first was Melinda, who had been their foster child before they were able to adopt her. Many others followed. They came from different states, with different needs. Some had Down¹s syndrome, cerebral palsy, chromosome abnormalities, fetal alcohol effect, feeding tubes, or other important considerations.