Paula Weinman | Echo
After firefighter Scott Davis died in June 2011 while fighting a fire at local outreach founder Ken Fuller's home church, Fuller immediately began looking for ways his organization could serve the Muncie Fire Department.
"I went and asked if anyone ever came and dropped by (the fire department)," Fuller said. "They said, usually after a tragedy, and that's it. So we started making dinners."Over the past two years, Faithbuilders, Fuller's organization, has served the department dinner once a month. This, Fuller says, has led to a very meaningful relationship between the department and the Faithbuilders volunteers.
"(The fire department members) feel like family now," Fuller said.
Fuller's organization is devoted to meeting community needs in the best way possible.
"We don't want the same old ministry," Fuller said. "We want something different. . . . we want people to know that a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is the most awesome thing you can have."
Faithbuilders has ministries across Indiana, ranging from Christian schools to homeless shelters to mobile soup kitchens. In each ministry, Faithbuilders emphasizes excellence, compassion and dedication.
"We don't charge," Fuller said. "We go the extra mile. . . we're about restoration. We are missionaries in Central Indiana."
This weekend, Faithbuilders will partner with the Muncie Fire Department in a fundraiser to start a K-9 unit for the department's search and rescue division. "Grub and Club," as the event is called, will include dinner and a concert at the Cornerstone Center for the Arts on Friday, Sept. 20, followed by a golf tournament that will take place on Saturday, Sept. 21. The proceeds from "Grub and Club" will be put toward the start-up cost of the K-9 program.
Pat Hoose, a member of the Muncie Fire Department and good friend of Ken Fuller, says the new K-9 unit will be a significant contribution to the fire department and the fire departments in the surrounding area. The initial funds from this event will go toward purchasing the department's first dog."(A K-9 unit) adds to the preparedness and readiness for missions on the part of this department and departments around Indiana," he said.
Hoose adds that the dog will also be used as a part of the department's educational efforts around the county, especially in fire prevention education. One day, Hoose hopes to see the K-9 unit significantly expanded.
Fuller adds that he was thrilled to be able to serve the fire department again. "When Pat came up and I asked me, I felt honored-it's really an honor."
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Faithbuilder members during the meals. Despite their significant role in facilitating the event, Fuller stresses that this is the a fire department event. As Fuller explains, "All we're going to do is serve. All we'll do is ask, 'What can we do?' and we'll do it."
The Grub and Club fundraiser will be hosted over the weekend. Tickets cost $10 for adults, $5 for children, and $25 for a family of four. For more details, contact Pat Hoose at (765)-620-8364.
