Kokomo Grace's own Jim Williams receives
"Bread and Basin Award

Bread and Basin awards are given to individuals who had made a significant contribution to ministry or missions during the past year. Their excellence and commitment are appreciated and so vital in bringing God's kingdom to the world. They are excellent examples to motivate us to reach out with God's love. We thank each for their dedication and pray the endeavors bring the light of God's kingdom to the darkness of our world today.

Gracious, sensitive, loving, caring, faithful, kind, generous, these are words that Jim Williams' nominators use to describe this year's Bread & Basin Award winner from the Kokomo district. Jim has a passion for people, "a gift from God." he says--especially if those people happen to be children or youth. Jim has received many community awards recognizing his volunteerism=--even the prestigious Community Excellence Award from GM several times. The awards are stashed away in a box, even his children haven't seen most of them. H obviously doesn't do this for the recognition of other people.

Jim began volunteering in churches when he was appointed a youth director at 18 years old. At 85 he remains active: managing the dining room at the Kokomo Urban Outreach, raising funds and equipment for that ministry, lending a helping hand and ear to anybody in need. He cared lovingly for his wife who died of Alzheimer's and continues to care for others affected by that dreaded disease. He has become a mentor and counselor even to the pastors and staff at Grace UMC, where he is a member. Jim's pastor, Steve Beutler says "Jim is always ready toi contribute his time, talents, service, and money to help others. He is a strong proponent of missions outreach to those who are less fortunate. His work with Kokomo Urban Outreach has been of particular significance. He gives of his time willingly and joyfully, even as he finds himself struggling with physical difficulties that make his servanthood sometimes painful and trying."

Jeff Newton of Kokomo Urban Outreach notes the kindness and faithfulness of Jim as he serves the children and youth of large public housing projects in the city. He knows each week's lesson that the children will learn in Sidewalk Sunday School. "Not only does Jim volunteer, he also gets things done," said Pastor Jeff. "In two and one half years he has raised money for a carpet for the Sidewalk Sunday School Room and was instrumental in helping the Outreach secure roasters, a laptop, projector, Fax Machine, shelving units, totes, monthly jars of peanut butter to give to children... the list can go on and on." His advocacy for Kokomo Urban Outreach places him on the mission board at Grace where he often connects the people and resources of Grace with the people and needs of Kokomo Urban Outreach.

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