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Partners Speak Out: Fred Blackwell
My busy world was invaded when I was invited to a luncheon where two Sudanese men spoke about the plight of the people of Southern Sudan , particularly Sudanese Christians. Their story was so gripping that I couldn't get it off my mind. Within eight months, I found myself in Mundri, Southern Sudan , seeing first hand the devastating effects of 50 years of war and religious persecution.
No amount of preparation had adequately readied me for the reality that I saw and experienced. The plight of the persecuted church of Sudan is so compelling that I cannot sit still. Every person I met knew someone who had been raped, murdered, or taken into slavery. Virtually every person in Southern Sudan has no running water, no electricity, no means of communication, no doctors, no medicine, no means of transportation, no roads, no bridges, and would have no hope apart from Jesus of Nazareth. The entire national treasury of the United States could not address all the issues there.
I spent a considerable amount of my personal time researching the situation in Sudan and the various efforts to address its needs. I came to the conclusion that Make Way Partners was among the most effective of all ministries there. As a result, I began speaking to groups and raising money for the Make Way Partners ministry. All of this transpired prior to meeting or knowing anyone affiliated with the Make Way Partners staff.
As an example of their effectiveness, the recent construction of a girls dormitory in Nymlel, Southern Sudan is among the greatest achievements of the Church about which I have personally known. This required the transportation of building materials over almost 1,000 miles of hostile terrain. The processes of acquiring materials, arranging labor, and supervising construction represented an effort that was monumental in proportion. As a result, 200 girls now have protection from slave raiders and hyenas.
Make Way Partners is bringing a portion of God's kingdom to earth wherever they operate. They are a voice crying out in the wilderness. They are a ray hope to desperate people. They are ministers to the needs of those who are the least of these. In addition, Make Way Partners is a good steward of the resources used in this vital ministry.
There is no adequate definition of success that does not include service to others. I can unequivocally give my highest recommendation for Make Way Partners to anyone who is seeking a way to make a difference. - Fred Blackwell CLICK HERE to become a partner today!
BIO: Fred Blackwell has made a career in manufacturing with Michelin North America, the world's premier manufacturer of tires. The vast majority of this time has been spent in the disciplines of human resources and governmental affairs. He is responsible for state governmental affairs for Michelin's three manufacturing locations in Alabama. Blackwell has served on numerous boards and commissions. At the local level these have included such organizations as United Way and Boys & Girls Clubs. As of this writing, he serves on the Board of Directors for Leadership Alabama, The Business Council of Alabama, and the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama (PARCA) chaired by former governor Albert Brewer. PARCA is the final word in public policy research in Alabama. He serves as Chairman of the Governmental Affairs Committee for the Business Council of Alabama (BCA), recognized as the strongest business coalition in the United States. He is also a director in the BCA's political arm, Progress PAC. In this capacity, he helps conceptualize and execute multimillion dollar political election strategies. Blackwell served on the Governor's Commission on Welfare Reform and has received appointments by both Republican and Democrat governors. He was appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives to the Alabama Commission on Infrastructure. Gubernatorial appointments have included the Alabama Scrap Tire Commission, the Workforce Investment Act State & Local Boards, and the Governor's Commission on Existing Industry (Co-chair, Workforce Development Committee). He was appointed by Governor Fob James to chair the Alabama Job Training Coordinating Council. He is married to Dr. Laurel Blackwell, President of Chattahoochee Valley Community College. Together, they co-authored Skills for Success , a job search curriculum used throughout the United States and now in its second edition. He and Laurel have helped start five ministries together, all of which are still active. One of these produced Careers, Inc. This company is devoted to helping women on welfare break the cycle of dependence and become independent. Products of Careers, Inc. are used in 39 states. Coincidentally, 39 Native American Indian tribes also use this job search curriculum. Blackwell is the father of four children, a Sunday School teacher, and a church elder. He and Laurel are actively involved in Emmaus and Cursillo communities. His signature scripture is I Peter 3:15: “…be ready always to give a reason for the hope that is within you.” |
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It
wasn't long ago that the plight of the Sudanese people was
scarcely visible to me. After all, I'm a busy man. I almost
never get home before 8:00 or 9:00 PM. My wife and I have
demanding professional lives and that schedule is compounded
by very active personal ministries. As lay people, we have
been partners in the starting of five ministry efforts, all
of which are still going strong. One is national in scope.