BOONES MILL, Va. -- When Darrell Hunley became the pastor of Gethsemane Baptist Church in Boones Mill, his background caused him to be sensitive to the emotional, as well as spiritual, needs of the surrounding county. Hunley, who is board certified by the National Christian Counselors Association, National Board of Christian Clinical Therapists, National Clinical Pastoral Association and the National Organization for Victims Advocates, recognized that God was leading him to meet the obvious counseling needs of people in that area.

The church supported the idea and remodeled space to accommodate a counseling office and the ministry was launched in June 2008. As people responded and received help, growth required more space. But neither Hunley nor the congregation could afford to open a separate office. In a conversation with VBMB field strategist Darrell Fletcher, Hunley outlined his dream for the area and the need they were facing. Fletcher suggested a partnership with the VBMB.

A former dentist’s office was located in Rocky Mount and through a financial investment and the donation of supplies and office materials by the VBMB, the new office opened in October of last year. VBMB field strategist Tom Stocks was on hand to cut the ceremonial ribbon. “Darrell [Hunley] has a real heart for pastoral counseling,” says Stocks. “He has done a terrific job of putting together a center for next to nothing. He will make a great contribution to that area.”

In addition to Hunley, Marlin Friel, a native of Peru, South America, serves the needs of the Hispanic members of the community.

According to a press release issued to a local paper when the new center was opened, “It is the sincere desire of Gethsemane Baptist Church, through partnering with the Virginia Baptist Mission Board, to serve God and his people to the best of our abilities at every opportunity.” They have committed themselves to do more than just pray -- as important as that ministry is. They believe that God wants to meet the needs of troubled people through the gifts of people in the church. “With an immense love of God and a never-ending desire to serve him, we are attempting to help [all] his people in their most difficult times.”

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