$60,000 needed to buy handicap-accessible van for minister

The way Carolyn Tyler sees it, Tim Kelley has given so much of himself for so many years to Christians in California. It’s only right, Tyler said, that members of Churches of Christ return the love that Kelley and his wife, Roxanne, have shown for so long.

Tim and Roxanne Kelley (Photo from Van for Tim website)

Tyler, a member of the Camarillo Church of Christ, where Tim Kelley preached for 24 years, is helping lead an effort to raise $60,000 to buy a handicap-accessible van for the family. As of today, donors have contributed $31,000.
“Everybody loves Tim because he’s done so much for so many people,” Tyler said of Kelley, now senior minister of the Chico Church of Christ. “He’s just incredible.”
The Van for Tim website explains:

Tim Kelley has given over 35 years of full-time ministry to the Churches of Christ in Roseville, Torrance, Morro Bay, Camarillo and, most recently, Chico, Calif.

Tim has Post Polio Syndrome, a result of contracting polio when he was a baby. Despite his disability, Tim has always had a positive attitude and determination to be a servant of God.
As Post Polio Syndrome continues to challenge him, he now works as a minister in Chico, and must depend on a wheelchair. This has not discouraged Tim and he always finds a way to continue his ministry. Assisted by the Polio Foundation, he now owns a powered wheelchair which lifts him into a standing position to preach, lead singing, or to perform as a concert soloist.
Now there is a new requirement that cannot be easily met. Tim requires a wheelchair accessible minivan. The cost of obtaining such a vehicle is price prohibitive for any family. In order to meet Tim’s requirements for the van, we need almost $50,000 for a used van or $60,000 for a new one.  Tim’s need for a wheelchair accessible van is not just about a vehicle.  It is about Tim having freedom, independence, and a safe and reliable means of transportation.  It also means that he will once again be able to serve his church and community in the way that God has called him.

Mel Storm, an elder of the Heritage Church of Christ in Clawson, Mich., and and a professor of religion and Greek at Rochester College, first met Kelley 45 years ago at Sierra Bible Camp in Northern California.

Image from the Camarillo Church of Christ website (www.camarillochurchofchrist.com)

Storm told The Christian Chronicle:

“Tim officiated at my wedding and I was best man at his. His parents were like my parents away from home. So, in many ways, Tim is a brother to me. Tim and I are both pretty good singers and used to sing together in church functions.

“Though disabled, Tim was able to complete both a bachelor’s and masters degree in Religion at Pepperdine. Tim has also been a class teacher at the Pepperdine, ACU and Rochester College Bible lectureships. Tim never let his physical limitation prevent him from carrying out his ministry responsibilities.

When I first knew him, Tim was able to walk with the aid of a crutch. But in recent years Post Polio Syndrome has further weakened his body, which is preventing him from carrying out his daily ministry responsibilities. Tim still preaches and teaches regularly, but is unable to do much, if any, ministerial visitation both to members or non-members.”

That’s where the van comes in.

Contributions may be sent to Camarillo Church of Christ, Attn.: Mini-Van Fund, 515 Temple Ave., Camarillo, CA 93010. Donations can be made online at the Van for Tim site.

• Feedback
  Glory be to God, I only post this to challenge all other “Christian Bikers” to match this $100!

  Jim Christian

  August, 19 2010

  I only visited the Chico church once (a great privilege), but Tim was a great encouragement to me and my wife, we still remember them fondly. I sure hope with the exposure from the Chronicle we can raise the funds to help the Kelleys.

  Levi Sisemore

  August, 19 2010

  Have Tim check out the Ford Van on Ebay at:
  http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ford-Club-Wagon-Mobility-Van-E-150-D-S-I-DSI-Scott-Driving-System-handicap-wheelchair-driver-/290465517647?pt=US_Cars_Trucks
  ____________________________________________________________________
  Ford Club Wagon Mobility Van E-150 D.S.I.
  DSI – Scott Driving System – handicap wheelchair driver
  Please waitImage not availableEnlarge

  Time left: 20d 00h (Sep 08, 201022:44:24 PDT)

  Price: US $18,995.00 Buy It NowBuy It NowBuy It Now
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  Payment: Deposit of US $2,000.00 within 48 hours of auction close. Full payment required within 7 days of auction close.

  Shipping: Buyer responsible for vehicle pick-up or shipping.
  Vehicle shipping quote is available.

  Item Location: Los Angeles, CA, United States

  Coverage: This vehicle is eligible for up to $50,000 in Vehicle Purchase Protection

  Fred Franke

  August, 20 2010