Central Hills Baptist Retreat honored one of its longest tenured employees Monday afternoon.
A retirement reception was held for Long time Food Service Director Lavern Wade.
“She’s not just our Food Service Director or our head cook, she’s a minister of the gospel,” said MS Baptist Convention Buisness Services Director Barri Shirley. “Think about all the lives she touched over the past 20 years.”
Mrs. Lavern, as she was known to all those that spent summers at the camp, began working at Central Hills in 1997.
“This has been a wonderful place for me,” Mrs. Lavern said.” I’ve gotten to meet so many young people. Y’all are my heart because y’all are the future.”
In attendance at Monday’s reception, which was also a birthday celebration, were former CHBR Directors Don West and James Ray, many former camp counselors and employees, and several members of Mrs. Lavern’s family.
Several guests told stories of their times at camp with Mrs. Lavern. Some even chose to honor her by singing hymns.
The celebration ended with a meal, and for the first time in over 20 years, Mrs. Lavern was the first in line.
Central Hills Baptist Retreat will begin its 2018 summer camp season the week of Memorial Day.
For more information, visit www.mbcb.org/central-hills-baptist-retreat.
