Maddoxes Wrap Up 13 Years of Missionary Service

By Susan J. Meister

Charles and Patty Maddox spent the last week of December at UMCOR Sager Brown in the same way they spent 2006 as executive director and volunteer coordinator - in service.

Charles supervised and participated in the loading of a 20-foot container bound for Sudan, loaded with health and school kits. Patty worked with staff and volunteers on site and continued her coordination of volunteer bookings for 2007 and 2008.

The Maddoxes have been missionaries of the General Board of Global Ministries, the mission agency of the United Methodist Church, since 1993. Their appointment to UMCOR Sager Brown followed oversees assignments in Ghana and Haiti.  UMCOR Sager Brown distributes millions of dollars of emergency supplies, clean-up tools, and basic necessities to displaced persons, storm survivors, and volunteers all over the world.

Depot capacity expanded

Before he embarked on full-time missionary service, Charles spent time in construction and factory work. He describes himself as a "builder." During his tenure at UMCOR Sager Brown, a new inventory control system was installed, reporting improved, construction on a new sewing room began, and the dock area was expanded.

Charles and Patty arrived at the depot about four months after hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated the Gulf Coast in 2005. So much material passed through the depot as a result of the generous response to hurricane relief, "we just couldn't unload all the incoming trucks fast enough," Charles explained.

Patty Maddox scheduled volunteers for service, and managed their accommodations on the campus.  More volunteers came to work in 2006 than any other year on record - nearly 3,100.

"We have a good staff and good team work here," Patty said. "The work the volunteers do here can bring them such fulfillment."

"I sure will miss them"

The Maddoxes ended their ministry as GBGM missionaries at UMCOR Sager Brown officially on December 31, and moved to Cadiz, Ky.  Their service will continue until June, 2007, as they lecture at many of their covenant churches.

At the news of their retirement, Freddy Cook, depot warehouse manager, echoed the sentiments of the staff and volunteers at UMCOR Sager Brown. "They are lovely people," he said. "I sure will miss them."

Kristin Sachen, head of UMCOR's Emergency Service Office, expressed deep appreciation to Charles and Patty for their years of missionary service: "The Maddoxes brought a steady presence to UMCOR Sager Brown.  Through their leadership we have an expanded truck delivery facility and a computerized registration system.  We are very grateful for the caring way in which they have served."

Kathy Kraiza has been named to succeed Charles Maddox as Executive Director.

Susan Meister is UMCOR's Gulf Coast communication consultant.