Kathy Byerly is an instrumental champion and founder for Helping Hands Ministry. Her team members refer to her as their “fearless leader.” She works as a tireless Christian on behalf of this important organization doing great things right here in the Triad. Here is her story.
Tell us about your formative years. Where did you grow up, and what were your early experiences that shaped who you are today?
I was 18 months old when our dad moved the family to Kernersville. We had lived there less than a month when he was killed in a car wreck. He was only 30 years old.
Our grandmother moved in to help raise us while Mom worked, sometimes two jobs. Mom never remarried.
My life was deeply influenced by the example set by my mom and grandmother. Both godly women, they taught me to work hard and love unconditionally. These women made great sacrifices for my brother and me.
Our grandmother made sure we knew all about Jesus and His unconditional love. I knew I wanted to love like Jesus!
Once you knew your calling into service, where and how did it all begin?
I’d never given a lot of thought about “my calling.” I figured I was living it out…work, marriage, raising two kids. What else was there? But, I heard a sermon that really hit me hard. The pastor said, “God has a plan for every life. Ask Him to give you a passion, and He will reveal your calling.” I was 64 years old! What calling could God have for me?
I certainly didn’t imagine “my calling” would involve helping the homeless. I’d never really given a lot of thought to homelessness in our community until one January evening when my nephew asked me to help pack bag lunches and visit the Emergency Homeless Overflow Shelter. I had no idea what to expect. But, that night changed my life forever!
God had given me a passion, a longing to love and to help hurting people. I connected with a friend at church who had been dropping off food and supplies at homeless encampment sites. We started Helping Hands Ministry in 2014.
Tell us all about the organization you lead.
Simply put, Helping Hands is a group of Christ followers, each with a passion to improve the lives of the homeless, the hungry, the impoverished and the hurting in our communities. Since 2014, we’ve been blessed to partner with many other ministries and organizations.
Before Covid-19, God kept us very busy…I rarely said “no” to an opportunity to serve. It’s amazing how He always opens doors and provides the resources we need to do His will. For years, we served two meals a month at the Rescue Mission, covered check-in each Monday night at the Overflow Emergency Homeless Shelter and provided clothing, boots, underwear, socks, blankets, food and household items.
Give us perspective into what satisfaction you gain from what you do on a daily basis.
Everyone deserves to be loved, encouraged and valued. I think it’s important that we face every day with this goal…to walk in God’s light and to serve Him. There’s great satisfaction if, at the end of the day, I’ve been an encouragement to someone, and I give God the glory.
Provide an example of a time that moved you deeply when helping others.
For the last six years, our Helping Hands Ministry has served at the Winston-Salem Rescue Mission, providing meals, supplies and support. It honestly feels like a partnership where we walk alongside these men as the Mission guides them through their addiction recovery and restoration. God is real and working in the lives of these men.
What is now most important to you and why?
I’ll admit, since Covid, so many things have changed. My husband and I seem to have aged too quickly. But, God is so so good! At 74 and 76, He has blessed us with good health and a willingness to continue serving.
God can use you…no matter your age. It’s important that we continue to follow His calling.
Specifically, how can our readership help your organization?
If anyone wants to learn more, or would like to serve with us, reach out to me on Facebook messenger, Kathy Billings Byerly, or email: kathybyerly@gmail.com facebook.com/helpinghandsug.
*Nominate someone as a person of prominence and give us insight into what makes them unique.
I nominate Shelley Hundley, Executive Director, Joy Prom – Piedmont Triad.
