Exodus Bay Shore questionnaire
Ava Powell, June, 1998
Why did you decide to join this mission?
While I was away visiting my parents, Roger heard Dwain Evans present the dream for Exodus Bay Shore in June 1962. The more he thought about it, the more it seemed like the right thing for our family. If he thought that was the right thing, I was sure it was too.
What impact did the Long Island culture have on you?
Since I was a stay-at-home mom, the Long Island culture didn’t really have that much impact. I saw my role to be caring for my family, and it would have been the same no matter where we lived. I decided early on that my family would be my ministry, and I am glad I made that decision.
How long did you live on Long Island?
We lived on Long Island a total of five years—July 1963 to Summer 1967 and Summer 1969 to Summer 1970.
Briefly recount at least one significant positive experience and one significant negative experience.
Who could forget Wolfe Cabins? We were there almost a month I think because nobody wanted to rent to us with 4 children ages 6 months to 7 years. The best part about being there was the way we all shared what we had. I’ve told folks many times that we truly had “all things in common.” For example, we couldn’t get to our blankets in the trailer, so we used yours. You couldn’t get to your towels, so you used ours! What a wonderful time of sharing!
The winter was difficult. Our oldest daughter got pneumonia and had to go to the hospital in Bay Shore, and—of course—we had a big snow storm. We lived in Brentwood, and I was afraid the snow would get too bad for me to get to the
hospital to see her—I was only allowed to be there 2 hours each day. Paul and Virginia Hart lived close enough to the hospital for me to walk, so the other kids and I moved in with them. I hadn’t got snow boots yet, but Juanita Reneau had, and I borrowed hers so I could walk through the snow to the hospital. By the time I was ready to drive to the Harts, I was worried because I didn’t drive much on dry roads, much less in the snow. The phone rang, and it was Carol Goodrich saying that since the schools were closed, and Bob was home, he would take me to Bay Shore. What a blessing—the way we all loved and cared for one another!
For one missions conference, Ira Rice stayed with us. When he got to Long Island, he was exhausted and all he wanted was some rest, so he went to bed for a nap. David had bragged to his friend at school that we had a missionary at our house. His friend didn’t believe him, so David brought him home to see. After they tiptoed down the hall and peeked into the bedroom, David’s friend turned to him and said, “Aw, David, that’s not a missionary, that’s just a man!”
Long Island was the first place I experienced prayer and fasting. It was a wonderful experience for me. On one occasion shortly after David had been baptized, he wanted to participate too, so we let him. He did really well until the [evening] worship. When we stood to sing, his knees buckled, and he just passed out. I am not sure if he has tried that again.
Were there changes in your theology? Please describe.
I was not reared in the church of Christ, and I thought the church on Long Island was more like what I dreamed the church should be. I still believe it was, and I have not found the same closeness and caring anywhere since.
Did you experience economic loss as a result of your move?
As long as we kept sharing with others, we always had plenty—no extra, but plenty for us and to share, like the woman’s oil that never ran out. When we stopped sharing, we were always short. Yes, we had less money on Long Island, but our treasures were innumerable and irreplaceable!
Are you a member of the Church of Christ today?
Yes, I am still a member of the church of Christ in Littleton, Colorado. We are more progressive than some other congregations, so I am happy there. I still have a difficult time with my legalistic brethren though.
Briefly outline your faith journey since the Exodus.
Since Long Island, I have learned a lot about grace—beginning with our experience with brethren when we came back to the Midwest and since Roger’s and my divorce. I always believed the Holy Spirit was real and so was grace, and now I’m sure it’s true.
Please evaluate the effects of this mission program in your life.
Two main effects are:
If you had your 35 years back, would you do it again?
I sure would do it again. In fact, when I hear of someone thinking of a similar mission, I always encourage them to do it. I’ll always be glad we did.
[See Roger's answers to the same questionnaire here.]
While I was away visiting my parents, Roger heard Dwain Evans present the dream for Exodus Bay Shore in June 1962. The more he thought about it, the more it seemed like the right thing for our family. If he thought that was the right thing, I was sure it was too.
What impact did the Long Island culture have on you?
Since I was a stay-at-home mom, the Long Island culture didn’t really have that much impact. I saw my role to be caring for my family, and it would have been the same no matter where we lived. I decided early on that my family would be my ministry, and I am glad I made that decision.
How long did you live on Long Island?
We lived on Long Island a total of five years—July 1963 to Summer 1967 and Summer 1969 to Summer 1970.
Briefly recount at least one significant positive experience and one significant negative experience.
Who could forget Wolfe Cabins? We were there almost a month I think because nobody wanted to rent to us with 4 children ages 6 months to 7 years. The best part about being there was the way we all shared what we had. I’ve told folks many times that we truly had “all things in common.” For example, we couldn’t get to our blankets in the trailer, so we used yours. You couldn’t get to your towels, so you used ours! What a wonderful time of sharing!
The winter was difficult. Our oldest daughter got pneumonia and had to go to the hospital in Bay Shore, and—of course—we had a big snow storm. We lived in Brentwood, and I was afraid the snow would get too bad for me to get to the
hospital to see her—I was only allowed to be there 2 hours each day. Paul and Virginia Hart lived close enough to the hospital for me to walk, so the other kids and I moved in with them. I hadn’t got snow boots yet, but Juanita Reneau had, and I borrowed hers so I could walk through the snow to the hospital. By the time I was ready to drive to the Harts, I was worried because I didn’t drive much on dry roads, much less in the snow. The phone rang, and it was Carol Goodrich saying that since the schools were closed, and Bob was home, he would take me to Bay Shore. What a blessing—the way we all loved and cared for one another!
For one missions conference, Ira Rice stayed with us. When he got to Long Island, he was exhausted and all he wanted was some rest, so he went to bed for a nap. David had bragged to his friend at school that we had a missionary at our house. His friend didn’t believe him, so David brought him home to see. After they tiptoed down the hall and peeked into the bedroom, David’s friend turned to him and said, “Aw, David, that’s not a missionary, that’s just a man!”
Long Island was the first place I experienced prayer and fasting. It was a wonderful experience for me. On one occasion shortly after David had been baptized, he wanted to participate too, so we let him. He did really well until the [evening] worship. When we stood to sing, his knees buckled, and he just passed out. I am not sure if he has tried that again.
Were there changes in your theology? Please describe.
I was not reared in the church of Christ, and I thought the church on Long Island was more like what I dreamed the church should be. I still believe it was, and I have not found the same closeness and caring anywhere since.
Did you experience economic loss as a result of your move?
As long as we kept sharing with others, we always had plenty—no extra, but plenty for us and to share, like the woman’s oil that never ran out. When we stopped sharing, we were always short. Yes, we had less money on Long Island, but our treasures were innumerable and irreplaceable!
Are you a member of the Church of Christ today?
Yes, I am still a member of the church of Christ in Littleton, Colorado. We are more progressive than some other congregations, so I am happy there. I still have a difficult time with my legalistic brethren though.
Briefly outline your faith journey since the Exodus.
Since Long Island, I have learned a lot about grace—beginning with our experience with brethren when we came back to the Midwest and since Roger’s and my divorce. I always believed the Holy Spirit was real and so was grace, and now I’m sure it’s true.
Please evaluate the effects of this mission program in your life.
Two main effects are:
- A better understanding of people and customs from another part of the country
- Even less tolerance for legalistic Christianity
If you had your 35 years back, would you do it again?
I sure would do it again. In fact, when I hear of someone thinking of a similar mission, I always encourage them to do it. I’ll always be glad we did.
[See Roger's answers to the same questionnaire here.]