Surprise! Oprah gives SUV keys, camper to minister and his wife

Gayle King, Woody Square, Judy Square and Oprah Winfrey at Yosemite National Park. (Photo by Stewart Walters)

New on the Chronicle’s website:

Talk show queen Oprah Winfrey doesn’t make it out to the woods too often.
For a recent special, though, Winfrey and friend Gayle King hitched a pop-up camper to a Chevrolet Tahoe hybrid and hit the road to Yosemite National Park.
The purpose of Winfrey’s adventure: to meet Shelton Johnson, a black park ranger who complained that few African-Americans visit America’s national parks.
While exploring Yosemite, Winfrey ran into Woody Square, who has served since 1992 as youth and family minister for the San Leandro Church of Christ in California. Square is black.
“Hi, where are y’all from?” Winfrey asked Square and his wife, Judy.
“Guess why we’re here?” King chimed in. “Because we were told black people don’t normally come to the forest. And we go, ‘There’s a black man!’”
“Surprise!” Square replied with a laugh. “I’m the first one here.”

Read the full story.

• Feedback
  What a fun story ~ would love to get the whole scoop! Congratulations to the Square family on their new vehicle.

  Eileen Emch

  November, 23 2010

  It could not have been more deserving. I have heard Woody several times at the Scarry Monsters youth rally at the Martinez Church of Christ in Martinez CA. I know he is a man of God and well deserving of this gift. Preach on, Woody!!!!

  Darren

  November, 24 2010

  All I can say is that this is a wonderful thing given to some great Christians. I am so happy that they have been so blessed. It is good that Oprah uses some of her money to help others. My prayers and best wishes go with the Squares.

  James Haney

  November, 24 2010

  It is good to see their good fortune and to have the opportunity to be on Oprah’s show and talk about their work for Lord. Happy Thanksgiving to the Square family…great story.

  Eddy Gurley

  November, 24 2010

  While I’m happy for this minister’s good fortune and Oprah Winfrey’s generosity, we should remember that all blessings ultimately come from God. He may use others in our life to deliver these blessings but only He deserves the credit. Hence, I think your headline for this article is inappropriate. I’m sorry if you may think that I am being ‘picky’.

  Ron Dasher

  November, 24 2010

  Ron, that was probably not the best choice of words for the headline. I have changed it.

  Bobby Ross Jr.

  November, 25 2010