Over a week ago an elderly man in the community, Bill Taylor was robbed and beaten by others in the area. This past Tuesday he passed away from those injuries. He was married to Mabel Taylor, daughter of Bill Henderson, whom the settlement is named after. Apparently the individuals who did this were addicted to drugs as is common in this area as jobs and recreation are hard to find. Its hard to imagine what it may take to break a cycle of poverty and addiction in families in our service area. The response by our pastor Mike Tupper has been to bring together community members to pray, many others feel the need for vengeance as the history of the area has taught them to follow, and can be seen in comments on the articles.
The story by WYMT news includes some family and community reaction as well as a clip of our very own Jerry Lambdin, Work Camp Coordinator. (click on the "community members are in shock" video)
In informal conversation with community members most are aware of who has done the act and can share more information and details than the news can provide. That being said it is tragic and has highlighted the issue of addiction as a need to be addressed in the area.
27 January 2008
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This story,though tragic,begs the question why? Why does an elderly man have to die in such a brutal and senseless manner?Why do people faced with poverty and unemployment stay in such a place?I think I know why,sad to say.It is the power of "home",the power of "family", and the power of "tradition"that keep people in a place despite it's faults and deficiencies. Some people have it and some don't,neither is wrong.Adventures and stories would never happen if it weren't for people with the courage to move on,but there would be no one to listen if not for the ones who choose a homeplace and stay, no matter the cost.My heart goes out to Bill Taylors family.You have a huge task to convince people that the best vengeance is to cure the problem that caused Bill's death. Love,Dad Y.
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