East Texas District Churches hold awards gala

CONGRESSMAN KEVIN BRADY received an outstanding leadership award for his role in Hurricane Rita recovery at the black tie gala held Dec. 8 by the East Texas Fellowship District Churches. Left to right, Brady, Rodney Norsworthy and Walter Diggles. Newsboy photo/ Charles Kerr

The East Texas Fellowship District Churches held their 2007 annual black tie holiday awards banquet Saturday, Dec. 8, at Wesley Center.

Fifteen area churches nominated recipients in each category; the district superintendent and jurisdictional bishop made the final selection.

Winners for outstanding service were Mr. and Mrs. Warren Jackson Diggles Jr. in "marriage and family life enrichment;" W.C. and Lady Donna Martin in "adoptions, foster parenting and saving a generation;" U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady for leadership in supporting Hurricane Rita long-term recovery efforts; Dr. Lonnie R. Freeman, outstanding service and lifetime achievement for evangelism, recovery and prison ministry; and Anita Shawn Diggles for mentoring, tutoring and atrisk youth programs.