“Learning about AGAPE and its mission was an eye opener to me. To realize that little girls, even at incredibly early ages, would be put out of their homes and onto the streets just because they got pregnant was simply unbelievable to me. Thank God that AGAPE was there to provide food, a bed, clothing, comfort, knowledge, and love — and if needed, to offer foster care and opportunities for adoption.”
By: Randy Morgan – Former AGAPE Board Member
Currently serving as an Elder at Friendly Ave. Church of Christ
I met Tom Slaughter back in the early 80’s. Upon his arrival, I helped Tom to move in. I found him to be a very delightful individual. It did not take long to see that Tom had a heart for people, especially the young ones who had lost their way for whatever reason. Shortly afterwards, I met Joan, and she was delightful as well.
Sometime later, it was announced that AGAPE of NC would be having a yard sale to raise money and that much help was needed. I volunteered. There was a lot of “stuff” to be sold. I helped with delivery and moving large objects. During my break time, I was standing by a tree and noticed there was a very young girl standing on the other side of the tree. I could not see her completely because of the tree, but I knew that something looked out of place. When she stepped away from the tree, I saw that she was pregnant. I thought, “She is too young to be pregnant.” I then started to understand why AGAPE was so essential in the area.
Learning about AGAPE and its mission was an eye opener to me. To realize that little girls, even at incredibly early ages, would be put out of their homes and onto the streets just because they got pregnant was simply unbelievable to me. Thank God that AGAPE was there to provide food, a bed, clothing, comfort, knowledge, and love — and if needed, to offer foster care and opportunities for adoption.
I continued to do small projects with AGAPE. Mostly I cut grass, but during this time, I also got to know my little brother (Justin) and my little sister (Nicole). We became very tight. It made me feel really good to know that my wife, Vonda, and I had found a new family.
Vonda became a part of the AGAPE mission as well. At that time, AGAPE had a 24-hour crisis hotline called LoveLine. It was monitored by Volunteers after normal office hours, just in case someone called for help, and Vonda monitored the phone during the late-night shift.
Tom eventually asked me if I would be willing to serve on AGAPE’s Board of Directors. I accepted. What an experience! Travel, food, new friends, and purpose. We prayed, talked strategies, shared experiences, talked measurements and goals, and defined needs. I was glad to be a part of the Board!
Once, when planning a meeting, I was asked if I would speak to an AGAPE celebration. “I almost fainted!” The meeting was to take place at the Four Seasons Convention Center in Greensboro. (That place held a lot of people.) With much encouragement from Tom and the other Board participants, I told them that I would. When the time came, I was so nervous. My sister in Christ (Peggy Sample) could see it. She asked me one question, “Do you believe in what you are doing?” I said, “Yes.” and Peggy replied, “Then, you will have no problem.” She was right! After I understood the point that Peggy was making, it calmed me down and the speech went smoothly. Everyone was so proud.
I really miss my brother, Tom. He touched my heart in a lot of ways. Through AGAPE, he helped me to understand something of great importance. Please read Matthew 25:34-40. Brothers and sisters, remember this: We must “be about our Father’s business.”