Visualizing a goal

by Karina Hunter

Toy and Russard having alot of fun with their work.

As members of Manitouwadge’s Bethany Pentecostal Assembly continue working to raise funds for the new building they need to accommodate their growing congregation of Christians, parishioner Vickie Russard and Pauline Toy, a commercial backdrop artist and engineer who moved to Manitouwadge approximately a year and a half ago from Tennessee, are painting a sign to be mounted in the church as a visual reminder of both the progress done and work yet to accomplish.  The pair met during the holidays at Bethany Pentecostal’s Birthday Party for Jesus.  Toy was eager to help with the project when contacted by Russard, having been searching locally for creative outlets that could benefit the community she has quickly come to love.  Toy also hopes to offer painting classes out of her home and suggests that this could happen as early as Spring 2010.  Though Russard had some guidelines provided by the fundraising committee in regards to the images and text needed on the sign, she was eager to learn new painting techniques from Toy who has painted murals and backdrops of every style and genre throughout her many years as an artist.  Currently, $60,000 has been raised by the Bethany Pentecostal Assembly which has a fundraising goal of $550,000. If you have a special skill that you believe would be helpful to them in their building or fundraising efforts they welcome you to join them for worship Sundays at 10:30am.

Submitted to The Echo, 01.29.10