A Volunteer Director's Dream

Early Monday morning this week I received a call at work. It was Dan Blanks from Dallas, one of the sons of Dorothy Blanks. He sadly informed me that his mother had passed away the night before. She was 85.

Dorothy worked here at the Service Center for 23 years. I had only been working at this ministry a few months before she had a stroke and was no longer able to come here. But what a legacy she left at this ministry! I heard so many stories about her. She was an organizer's organizer. Working tirelessly to put our linen closets in order. Supervising the redecorating of a large multi-purpose room. Dorothy made a profound difference in making this ministry an efficiently run operation in serving the poor of Abilene. We are so thankful to Dorothy for all the sheets she rolled up…and closets she organized…and boxes she made…and rooms she decorated… and financial donations that she and her husband, Lyston, made.

Last year we hosted a luncheon in her honor. One of the things I said in my speech that day was:

"Dorothy, through the power of Christ living in you, you have been a faithful servant of Jesus and so by God’s grace, some day you will hear those wonderful words -- 'Well done, good and faithful servant!…Come and share your master's happiness!' What a tremendous hope you have. And all of us have who put our trust in Christ."

Today she is now experiencing that heavenly reward. That Monday morning I sent an e-mail to Paul Garrett, the former director of this Center who had Dorothy work for him all those years. He wrote:

"Dorothy Blanks was a volunteer director's dream. The memory of her ministries at the Christian Service Center will last for years to come and will shine continually in her eternal crown above. I am grateful to know that Dorothy died peacefully surrounded by family. What a wonderful awakening she must have had to her heavenly family, which must have been a great host of loving family and friends. What a glorious graduation day she must be experiencing right now with all of the overcomers of eternity past."

Thank you, Dorothy, for showing us what it means to serve the Lord by serving the least of these. God will not forget your work done in Jesus’ Name. His word promises us.

To God be all the glory for the legacy of service to the poor that Dorothy Blanks left behind.

“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” – Jesus, John 13:14-15


Jim