In 2006 Linda and I had the privilege of traveling to Europe.  We brought back some small gifts to various friends and family members.  Somehow nothing seemed “right” for Pastor Bill.  So I made him a plaque about his service in the Navy.

I had actually thought about Bill as much as I had thought about anyone we had left behind in the States.  On the long plane ride across the Atlantic, I read a book Bill had loaned me, Flags of Our Fathers, about the battle for Iwo Jima during World War II.  When Linda and I visited Dachau, once a concentration camp, my eyes moistened as I read the tribute to the U.S. military who had liberated the camp in 1945.

Bill is the closest friend I’ve ever had who lived through the horrors of war.  I think I am one of the few non-military people he’s ever told about some of his worst days in Vietnam.  The military experience shaped him in so  many ways – it gave him physical strength, moral courage, respect for “the chain of command,” and, ultimately, a humility that brought him to his knees before the Lord and gave him his calling as a minister.

When Bill Howell came to Corinth in 2000, the deal was that he would come for two years (maximum) as a kind of pastoral intern – and then move on.  When two years were up, he and I, he and Corinth, had so intertwined ourselves that moving on seemed like a most undesirable path.

See below for what staff and lay members of Corinth say about how Bill has touched their lives. Here are some excerpts –

·         “the solid rock that holds our Bible study together”

·         “a good listener who quickly puts people to ease”

·         “he puts others above himself”

·         “without Bill I would not have had peace that my father knew the Lord”

·         “one of the most honorable men I have ever met”

·         “a pastor to me as well as a friend”

·         “tough as nails but soft as a teddy bear”

Ten years after I first met Bill and Susan at a restaurant in Charlotte, I can only say my life, and Corinth’s, is much richer for this brother whose passion it is to know and serve Christ.  Thanks, Bill, for a decade of partnership in ministry!

For 10 years now Bill has been a real asset to Corinth.  He always has a friendly greeting and fits in with our church family.    Joe and I shared lunch with Bill and Susan when Bill came for his interview.  It still means a lot to me that he and Joe became such good friends.  Thanks, Bill, for being here.  Alice Davidson

Billy-boy is the solid rock that holds our Bible study together and on track. We all appreciate his leadership and guidance. He is a mighty turner of pens from which we have benefited! He is a good friend, but above all he is a man who loves the Lord and lets it show. I love the ol’ boy!     Will Thompson

As a Stephen Minister I found it comforting that Pastor Bill was always available 24/7 if we needed him for any reason.  He gave us his cell phone number and encouraged us to call him anytime.  Pastor Bill always has time for you, and never seems in a rush even though he does so many things for us at Corinth. He is a good listener and quickly puts people at ease.  He is a blessing to all he meets.  Rachel Church

In Romans 12:9-10, Paul writes, “Love must be sincere.  Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.  Honor one another above yourselves.”  For me, Bill measures up well to this encouragement of Paul’s to followers of Jesus.  Bill is so very genuine.  He holds fast to what is good and right and true.  His devotion to our congregation and his leadership of mission trips are wonderful reflections of brotherly love.  He puts others above himself.  As he serves, he blesses and brings honor to the Lord.  I think Paul would be pleased that Bill “gets” these verses.  Ted Corwin

We are so lucky that Bill Howell has chosen to bring his unique and special gifts to Corinth. The phrase “Christian caregiver” seems to have been coined with Bill in mind. His heart for others is amazing as is his ability to make you feel loved and at ease. Thank you, Bill, for sharing your wonderful ministry with us at Corinth and congratulations on ten years here! Bess Fuller

When my father passed away in 2008 and I was uncertain about his salvation…Pastor Bill visited with him in the hospital before he died. My father  fought in both WWII and the Korean war- veterans and military people have a unique way of communicating that a daughter who’s never seen war could not understand. Bill came to me after the visit and shared with me that my father did indeed know the Lord, that I need not worry about where he would spend eternity, and that my father shared with him his belief that he would have never survived the battlefield without the Lord’s presence. I will never forget this, this was such a blessing to Phil and me, and if not for Bill’s specific spiritual gifts and his character as a man of God, I would not have the gift of this peace of knowing my father eternal resting place. I am so grateful to have Bill as one of my pastors. Tammy Mumford

Bill’s life experience is an inspiration to me and I’m sure to many others in Corinth and our community. Learning his transformation thru Christ made it seem attainable for me also. Bill’s approachable manner makes him easy to engage in conversation- that is a great attribute and a great asset for our church. Last but not least I thank Susan for sharing Bill with us the last ten years and also thank & congratulate whoever hired him! John Moretz

Bill Howell is one of the most honorable men I’ve ever met. I can’t imagine how he maintains such a positive attitude after days filled with visiting sick people. I always admire his dedication to the members of Corinth and his care and concern for fellow staff members. Joe Lippard

The first Minister that can make anything that happens in a NASCAR race relate to our Sunday School lesson. He knows how to keep us engaged.  Mike Long

Families who participate in our special needs parent support group at Corinth are invited to come and visit on Sundays as well. After so much positive feedback from visiting families about how much they enjoyed talking to and hearing Pastor Bill speak, I decided it might behoove me to get to know him better myself. We visited his Sunday School class once and have been hooked ever since. We are all so blessed to have Susan and Pastor Bill  in our Corinth ministry family.  Melanie Long

Hard to believe that ten years have gone by so fast. Bill has not only been a pastor to me but also a friend. His life experiences are somewhat similar to mine and because of that Bill was able to help me during a stressful job decision. Bill has shared his life struggles and how he came to Christ in such a way that you know it is from his heart. I admire that even though he is not feeling his best (over the past few weeks) he is traveling to help his brother and he was there to lead our class when it was evident he was not feeling well. As my mother’s health declined and to her death Bill was always checking on the family to make sure he knew if we needed anything.  I am thankful for Bill and that he works so well with you and Paul. Our church is fortunate to be led by the three of you.  To sum it up I admire how real Bill is, what you see is what you get and I am glad to know him.  Rob Collins

Bill is always there and always the same and gives “consistency and dependability” to my life and others. David Bolick

How can you describe Bill in one sentence?  Maybe like this - Tough as nails, but soft as a teddy bear!  Bill is blessed with a rich life’s story , including his call to ministry.  You can see how God uses his uniqueness and pass experiences in life in the way he reaches out to others, who may need someone with understanding, during challenging  times.  We all are very blessed to have him on the “team”.  Betty McGee