MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2010 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representatives Aldridge, Barker, Carpenter, Chism, DuVall, Hamilton (6th), Holland, Huddleston (15th), Jennings, Reed, Smith (39th), Turner, Ward, Woods
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING STEPHEN AND EVELYN DRURY FOR THEIR LIFE'S WORK IN MINISTRY AND PROCLAIMING OCTOBER 14, 2010, AS STEPHEN AND EVELYN DRURY DAY IN THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI.
WHEREAS, Stephen and Evelyn Drury, of Tupelo, Mississippi, cofounded New Beginnings International Children's and Family Services and continue to chair the ministry based in Tupelo, Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, Stephen Drury, raised in Kokomo and Indianapolis, Indiana, began ministering in Tupelo in 1970 as Office Manager, Food Service Manager and Director of Residence for Tupelo Children's Mansion Ministries; and
WHEREAS, having a great passion for ministry and service in Tupelo, Mr. Drury continued his involvement with Mansion Ministries as President from 1976 through 1999, founded and served as President of Tupelo Christian Academy from 1979 through 1999, founded and served as Pastor of Abundant Life Tabernacle from 1981 through 1999, and, in 1987, cofounded New Beginnings International Children's and Family Services, where he continues to serve as chairman; and
WHEREAS, Evelyn Drury, raised in Kokomo, Indiana, and Middlesboro, Kentucky, has served as the Executive Director of Tupelo Christian Academy, Assistant Corporate Secretary Treasurer of Parent Corporation of Tupelo Children's Mansion Ministries and subsidiaries, and still serves on the board of the New Beginnings International Children's and Family Services, which she cofounded with her husband; and
WHEREAS, while devoting much of her life to her passion for ministry and service along with her husband, Mrs. Drury also served as pastor's wife and raised three children, while pursuing her advancement toward a doctorate in education; and
WHEREAS, New Beginnings International Children's and Family Services includes the Erwin Maternity Care Center, which helps girls in crisis pregnancy, the only such facility in the State of Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, the New Beginnings adoption agency is the only adoption agency and maternity home in the United Pentecostal Church organization of over 4,500 churches in North America; and
WHEREAS, the adoption agency has helped save over 280 babies from abortion and helped place over 500 children for adoption, and the agency currently has active adoption programs in Poland and Nepal, along with a children's home in Nepal; and
WHEREAS, it would be impossible to measure the positive impact made on the lives of many thousands of children, thanks to the selfless work of Stephen and Evelyn Drury; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to honor such exceptional givers as Stephen and Evelyn Drury, who have brought great pride to the State of Mississippi by dedicating their lives to providing a better existence for children all across the world:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend Stephen and Evelyn Drury for their life's work in ministry, proclaim October 14, 2010, as Stephen and Evelyn Drury Day in the State of Mississippi, and express best wishes for continued success in all of their future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Stephen and Evelyn Drury and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.