"Big Al's" friends came from far and wide
By Bob Weaver
They came from the hills and hollers of Calhoun and Wirt County to spend a little time with "Big Al" last Saturday. Al Hogan of Munday is the founder of Helping Hands Crisis Ministries, a grass roots Christian outreach that has touched the lives of area residents in their time of need.
Now, faced with cancer, "Big Al" is facing his own crisis and his friends showed up for a fundraiser to help the man who has helped so many.
There were so many items for a fund raising auction, they had to be taken outside.
The barn, with its well-used stage for mountain music performers, was bustling with regional pickers and singers, so many they spilled out to a large deck. Big Al loves mountain music and those who play it. Several years ago he built a recording studio to try and preserve it. "I would hate to think we would let it slip by," he said.
The barn's activities, beyond efforts to help people in need, is routinely filled every Friday night, the music markers and the listeners. Then there is food. Lots of food. And celebrations. Well, there is always something to celebrate.
"Big Al" was right there, mixing it up with the crowd. He said he has been praying a lot "Not because I'm sick, but thanking God for everything he has done for me and giving me a wonderful family, friends and a beautiful world to live in."
"I thank Him for giving me the joy of helping people any way I can, in His name," he said.
Al continued to thank everyone for their kindness, supporting him with prayer and helping the ministry.
I know that God hears every prayer. May his will be done," he said.
A FEW OF BIG AL'S FRIENDS
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