Like any group, a leader emerges followed by role players. The Mission Team from Avent Ferry United Methodist Church is no different. Members of this group have gifts and talents they bring to the team that I now will call the AFUMC Fantastic 10.

Our fearless leader, Lori Drum. Major Drum, as we affectionately call her, is using her experience as a project manager to keep us on task. Rob and Jessica Anastes are showing us the art of how a happily married couple can work together. Benson Kirkman, the former Raleigh City councilman’s calm demeanor keeping us focused. Drew Grimes, our historian. He earned that name since he’s documenting every aspect of our mission.

We can’t escape his camera lens. Ann Yount is our moral compass. Ann had to put those skills to work the other day when she ended up taking a ride to the grocery store with two, shall we say, adventurous members of our group. I’ll let you guess who they are. The two adventurers decided to take a quick detour to the beach. There was Ann saying, “Guys we got to get back”. Of course they all made a quick trip to the beach, but Ann was right there making sure they eventually got back on track.

Diane Corbin, well, she’s our resident counselor and dietitian. If we need advice or we’re not eating right, I guarantee, she has a remedy for us. Michael Lester is our in house singer. You’ve heard the phrase whistle while you work, well, Michael sings as we work. He’s our radio with a voice that’s a cross between Luther Vandross and Michael McDonald of Doobie Brothers fame. Then there’s our spiritual advisor, our pastor, Taylor Mills. As God’s messenger, he keeps us grounded.

As for me, I’m not just the Sandman, They also call me “Gunner” Smith. I’m told my energy fuels the group. Of course, we all believe a Higher Power is in control. We’re just foot soldiers on one Fantastic Mission Trip.