Executive Director: Jeff Kerby
Jeff is a Lieutenant Colonel in the South Carolina Army National Guard with 29 years of service including tours in Afghanistan,Saudi Arabia,and Kuwait. He is a Physician Assistant at Lexington Family Practice in West Columbia, South Carolina. He is married to Trish Kerby. They have two adult children: Kristen and Cameron.
He is a member of the Lexington Church of Christ and an associate member at Mt. Horeb United Methodist Church.
"My parents always taught me to leave it better than you found it - no matter what 'it' is; your workplace, your neighborhood, your church. As EmmanuWheel continues to grow, more and more of us are able to leave the world of the mobility-impaired a better place. The Kingdom of God we represent rolls right up the new ramp and into a client's home and we leave it better than we found it. How blessed we are to find that sense of purpose."
He is a member of the Lexington Church of Christ and an associate member at Mt. Horeb United Methodist Church.
"My parents always taught me to leave it better than you found it - no matter what 'it' is; your workplace, your neighborhood, your church. As EmmanuWheel continues to grow, more and more of us are able to leave the world of the mobility-impaired a better place. The Kingdom of God we represent rolls right up the new ramp and into a client's home and we leave it better than we found it. How blessed we are to find that sense of purpose."
Board Member: Jimmy Kirby
Jimmy is a service engineer for one of South Carolinas largest health care providers. He is married and has two wonderful daughters. Jimmy is also a member of Lexington Church of Christ.
"I have been involved with EmmanuWheel since the beginning and the satisfaction of seeing the joy on the clients face when they are able to leave the home unassisted is what keeps me going ramp after ramp! Being able to say prayer with the client and the interacting before and after a build is a testament that God is in control of this ministry. Representing the Kingdom of God is performed in so many ways in this world and I am proud to do my part with EmmanuWheel! "
"I have been involved with EmmanuWheel since the beginning and the satisfaction of seeing the joy on the clients face when they are able to leave the home unassisted is what keeps me going ramp after ramp! Being able to say prayer with the client and the interacting before and after a build is a testament that God is in control of this ministry. Representing the Kingdom of God is performed in so many ways in this world and I am proud to do my part with EmmanuWheel! "
Board Member: Tom Dominick
Tom is a retired Chemical Engineer who spent most of his professional life in Baton Rouge,Louisiana. He has worked for Ciba Geigy Corporation, Ethyl Corp, and Albermarle and is a former Air Force Officer. He is a graduate of LSU. He earned his MBA in 1985. His work has included international marketing and sales including assignments in Tokyo and Germany, a period as the developer and implementer of a corporate quality management process reporting to the company president, a stint as a plant manager, and as VP new products, a stint as Albemarle’s regional managing director Asia Pacific operations, and an assignment to Brussels, Belgium as Albemarle’s regional managing director of operations for Europe. He was also on the design team for the B-1 Bomber. In March of 2002 a major brain hemorrhage resulted in left hemiplegia and wheelchair confinement. He and his wife Joan moved to Lexington, South Carolina to be nearer to their youngest son and enjoy beautiful Lake Murray. They are members of the Lexington Church of Christ.
"Being a board member for EmmanuWheel gives me the opportunity to participate in the important work the organization does in spite of my physical limitations. Being confined to a wheelchair gives me a hands on perspective of the impact of the projects on the lives of people who are having a rough patch in their existence. In addition it gives me routine business like contact with other results -oriented christian people; good for me as well as providing needed help to others."
"Being a board member for EmmanuWheel gives me the opportunity to participate in the important work the organization does in spite of my physical limitations. Being confined to a wheelchair gives me a hands on perspective of the impact of the projects on the lives of people who are having a rough patch in their existence. In addition it gives me routine business like contact with other results -oriented christian people; good for me as well as providing needed help to others."
Board Member: Robert Storey
Robbie was blessed with a wonderful 38 year career in the South Carolina Army National Guard. He worked full time at the Combined Support Maintenance Shop as a warrant officer while serving as Maintenance Supervisor and the Shop Foreman. He has been married to Sandra Storey for over 41 years. They have 2 daughters and 1 grand-daughter. Robbie and Sandy are members of Mt. Horeb United Methodist Church.
Ed Hartung invited my wife and I to join him and help start a wheel chair ministry at Mt. Horeb. God truly blessed us when He brought Ed to Mt Horeb and led Him to us. Even though we were together for only a short 18 month period, it was truly a blessing for us and a honor and a privilege to serve on Ed's team. Serving others in need is small way for us to give back for all the blessings given to us from God.
Ed, I thank you for being my mentor, my inspiration and for planting the seed (Wheel Chair Ramp Ministry) in me. God, I also thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve as a board member with EmmanuWheel.
Board Member/Team Leader: Chris Sharpe
Chris has been working in the printing industry for over 20 years, doing everything from graphic logo design to operation and repair of printing presses and bindery equipment. He now works as Production Manager for a wholesale, trade printing corporation in Columbia, SC. He has lived in Lexington, SC his whole life, and is happily married with two boys. He also serves on the Board and as a Mentoring Coach for "Mats 2 Men", a wrestling outreach targeting boys (K - 6th grade) that are growing up in impoverished and broken homes.
"It is amazing to me what God can do when you just make yourself available to do His work. Emmanuwheel is a wonderful way to take part in a one-day missions trip that may be right next door. It is such a joy to work shoulder to shoulder with my brothers in Christ as we represent Jesus to those in need."
"It is amazing to me what God can do when you just make yourself available to do His work. Emmanuwheel is a wonderful way to take part in a one-day missions trip that may be right next door. It is such a joy to work shoulder to shoulder with my brothers in Christ as we represent Jesus to those in need."
Team Leader: Fran O'Dell
Fran O'Dell is retired after serving as the secretary to the Guidance Director at Irmo High School for 26 years. She has been widowed for 16 years. She has a daughter and son-in-law and two grandkids who live in Decatur, AL. She has a step-son and daughter-in-law and two grandkids who live in Franklin, TN. She also has an adopted son who lives in Lexington.
Fran has been a member of the Lexington Church of Christ for 27 years. She is a member of C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors) and her favorite organization- EmmanuWheels' Chicks+Tools. Fran enjoys working out 3 mornings a week with a group of church friends at Crossfit Iron Mary's. She takes on challenges that lots of people would not take on. She recently did a tandem jump with the Army Golden Knights in memory of her son who was killed in the line of duty.
"I can honestly say that working with EmmanuWheel and Chicks+ Tools has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. I love meeting the clients and doing the hard work that helps them become more mobile. But I also cherish the opportunity to be an example to the young girls from church. We are trying to help them realize that to imitate Christ you must help the poor and needy."
Fran has been a member of the Lexington Church of Christ for 27 years. She is a member of C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors) and her favorite organization- EmmanuWheels' Chicks+Tools. Fran enjoys working out 3 mornings a week with a group of church friends at Crossfit Iron Mary's. She takes on challenges that lots of people would not take on. She recently did a tandem jump with the Army Golden Knights in memory of her son who was killed in the line of duty.
"I can honestly say that working with EmmanuWheel and Chicks+ Tools has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. I love meeting the clients and doing the hard work that helps them become more mobile. But I also cherish the opportunity to be an example to the young girls from church. We are trying to help them realize that to imitate Christ you must help the poor and needy."
Team Leader: Pastor Steve Brown
Steve moved to South Carolina in 1967. He has pastored three South Carolina churches; including what at that time (1987) was the largest congregation in the state. While pastoring full time (1977 -1991), he also served the South Carolina District as Secretary/Treasurer and Assistant Superintendent respectfully. In 1994, he was elected District Superintendent. He also served as Secretary of the Board of Regents at Southeastern University in Lakeland, FL for twelve years and Chairman of the University’s Academic and Faculty Development Committee for eight.
Steve graduated from Central Bible College in 1965 with a Bachelors degree in Bible and more recently the Assembly of God Theological Seminary in April 2005 with a Masters degree in Church Leadership. Over the past five and a half years he has been in the process of developing practical leadership training materials for small groups of pastors and lay leaders he refers to as “Leadership Clusters.”
Steve has engaged in personal coaching of several pastors in the Southeast. He also serves on the board and is an advocate of his oldest son’s NGO ministry, Legacy of Hope International. LoHI’s objective is to stamp out child trafficking throughout Southeast Asia.
He and his lovely wife, Becky, reside in Columbia, South Carolina. They had three grown children and six magnificent grandchildren.
"Initially I signed up for "grunt work" when I first heard about EmmanuWheel. In just a few days I found myself in the leadership role. It has been rewarding to (1) make a lot of new acquaintances I wouldn't have made if I hadn't become involved; (2) invest my skills and abilities to help those who are otherwise unable to help themselves; (3) experience the satisfaction of working with other passionate Christians outside of my local church. Building wheelchair ramps is only part of what takes place. That is the part you can readily see. Building relationships, building character, and building self esteem are the tremendous by-products of my involvement with EmmanuWheel."
Steve graduated from Central Bible College in 1965 with a Bachelors degree in Bible and more recently the Assembly of God Theological Seminary in April 2005 with a Masters degree in Church Leadership. Over the past five and a half years he has been in the process of developing practical leadership training materials for small groups of pastors and lay leaders he refers to as “Leadership Clusters.”
Steve has engaged in personal coaching of several pastors in the Southeast. He also serves on the board and is an advocate of his oldest son’s NGO ministry, Legacy of Hope International. LoHI’s objective is to stamp out child trafficking throughout Southeast Asia.
He and his lovely wife, Becky, reside in Columbia, South Carolina. They had three grown children and six magnificent grandchildren.
"Initially I signed up for "grunt work" when I first heard about EmmanuWheel. In just a few days I found myself in the leadership role. It has been rewarding to (1) make a lot of new acquaintances I wouldn't have made if I hadn't become involved; (2) invest my skills and abilities to help those who are otherwise unable to help themselves; (3) experience the satisfaction of working with other passionate Christians outside of my local church. Building wheelchair ramps is only part of what takes place. That is the part you can readily see. Building relationships, building character, and building self esteem are the tremendous by-products of my involvement with EmmanuWheel."
Team Leader: Cindy Cox
Cindy is a Clemson University engineering grad who spent 20 years working at the DOE Savannah River Site in engineering, management and training/instructor positions. She retired 15 years ago to take up her true and greatest vocation - to raise her children. Cindy has spent these years as a Stay At Home Mom, consultant and volunteer.
She is mother to Laura and Leigh Ann and wife to Mark. Cindy is a member of the Lexington Church of Christ.
" I love my team – we are an all girl team made up primarily of the girls in our youth group. It is a true gift from God to bless others with a ramp and the girls with the experience and confidence they get from these builds!"
She is mother to Laura and Leigh Ann and wife to Mark. Cindy is a member of the Lexington Church of Christ.
" I love my team – we are an all girl team made up primarily of the girls in our youth group. It is a true gift from God to bless others with a ramp and the girls with the experience and confidence they get from these builds!"
Team Leader: Ken Bickel
Ken Bickel is a sales representative with a large Financial Services company based out of Troy Michigan. He is a 1981 graduate of Virginia Tech and has lived his adult life in South Carolina. Ken is married to Donna and has one son, Casey. He is a member of Mt. Horeb United Methodist Church.
"Taking over for Ed was a real 'stepping out of the boat' experience for me. Ed was so knowlegable and gracious with all the ramp clients and volunteers. He loved the Lord and was a beacon to all who worked with him in the ramp ministry. I felt I couldn't fill his shoes but I also felt the best way to honor Ed would be to step up to insure his beloved ramp ministry kept up the work of the Lord. Thankfully I have great volunteers who have stepped up to make the job a most rewarding experience.
I love our volunteers who work so hard to find a way to help any way possible. The ramp ministry gives us all the opportunity to serve as Christ's disciples in our community.
"Taking over for Ed was a real 'stepping out of the boat' experience for me. Ed was so knowlegable and gracious with all the ramp clients and volunteers. He loved the Lord and was a beacon to all who worked with him in the ramp ministry. I felt I couldn't fill his shoes but I also felt the best way to honor Ed would be to step up to insure his beloved ramp ministry kept up the work of the Lord. Thankfully I have great volunteers who have stepped up to make the job a most rewarding experience.
I love our volunteers who work so hard to find a way to help any way possible. The ramp ministry gives us all the opportunity to serve as Christ's disciples in our community.
Team Leader: Colin Jeffcoat
Colin 'C.J.' Jeffcoat IV is blessed with a beautiful and wonderful wife, Sugar Jeffcoat. Together they have four children, Cole, Jonah, Judah and Olivia.
Colin is currently a full time student working towards dual degrees, one in nursing and another in healthcare management. He works with a publishing firm, N2 Publishing, in putting together high end publications for the more affluent neighborhoods around the Columbia area.
God has blessed Colin to be involved in giving back to his community in various ways, such as working with the youth at his church, Kittiwake Baptist. He also serves as a deacon as well as serving on the church finance committee. Colin is blessed and enjoys the work with Emmanuwheel in giving back to those in the community whom cannot do for themselves.
Colin is currently a full time student working towards dual degrees, one in nursing and another in healthcare management. He works with a publishing firm, N2 Publishing, in putting together high end publications for the more affluent neighborhoods around the Columbia area.
God has blessed Colin to be involved in giving back to his community in various ways, such as working with the youth at his church, Kittiwake Baptist. He also serves as a deacon as well as serving on the church finance committee. Colin is blessed and enjoys the work with Emmanuwheel in giving back to those in the community whom cannot do for themselves.
Team Leader: Matt MacDonald
Matthew MacDonald is a 34 year who grew up in Buffalo, NY. He has a beautiful wife, Erin, and 3 wonderful children, Shelby (10), Darby (8), and Killian (6).
He studied Electronics Engineering, and is currently working as a Radiology Engineer. In his spare time he enjoys biking, fishing, hunting, guitar and spending time with his children. He is an animal lover, and frequently fosters dogs through various rescue agencies. He is very grateful to be a part of EmmanuWheel and gets much satisfaction from helping those in need.
He studied Electronics Engineering, and is currently working as a Radiology Engineer. In his spare time he enjoys biking, fishing, hunting, guitar and spending time with his children. He is an animal lover, and frequently fosters dogs through various rescue agencies. He is very grateful to be a part of EmmanuWheel and gets much satisfaction from helping those in need.
