Conclusion & Personal Reaction

I chose Keith as my change agent because of my connection to him and Good Works. I’ve known Keith for more than fifteen years. My initial contact with Keith and Good Works was helping our church’s youth group prepare a Friday Night Supper. I went to several of those. Later, I volunteered my students (middle schoolers) to assist with their mass mailing. Finally, I volunteered at The Timothy House. Patty (a good friend) and I were there every Thursday night for a year. We ate dinner with the residents, joined them on the front porch while they smoked and then helped clean the house (it was chore night). Afterwards we chatted, worked puzzles, watch videos, laughed and teased. One night as we debriefed, Patty looked at me an asked if would speak to these people on the street. She explained that without actually have been taught, she had learned not to talk or make eye contact with people who appear to be down out. But at Timothy House we interacted with people who seemed a lot like us; people who were friendly, kind, and hardworking.

Then Patty and I switched to once a month Saturdays (at their request). Saturdays were a bit more relax for the residents and entailed a bit more responsibility for us. From one time to the next, the whole population of the house might change. We both missed the weekly interaction and the relationships that we could develop. After two years (total) of volunteering, Patty married and we both moved away from Athens. We still keep in touch and talk about our time at Good Works. It affected us deeply. The last time I saw Patty she lamented that she couldn’t find another place like Good Works with which to volunteer. I visit Keith, Ken, Terri, Sherrilyn, Sharon, and Paul (staff still there) from time to time. I make financial donations periodically. And I still miss it.

Patty’s question continues to haunts me. Interviewing Keith for this assignment stirred me again. I believe in the ministry of Good Works. As unconventional as Keith’s methods seem, I’ve seen them work. I’ve learned so much. I received more than I ever gave. I’d like to think it refined me some, made me more compassionate, more aware of my actions, and more giving of myself. If I ever move back to Athens, I’ll be involved with a ministry of Good Works.

I count Keith as friend and godly man. Through his leadership I came to understand the importance of being vision-driven instead of needs-driven. I learned about the gift of presence. (Sometimes it is enough just to be there; I don’t have to do or say anything.) I appreciate who Keith is, how he builds community, and how he practices his faith. His passion for justice makes me realize that I need to be more concerned. I love the way he invites regular people to connect with other regular people from different socioeconomic groups that might never meet if not for Good Works.