By Sara Gregory
Salisbury Post
Vicky Hyman wanted to hear the gospel music so badly that she wheeled herself from her home to the American Legion J.C. Price Post No. 107.
Sitting in her wheelchair on the front row, she sang with all the groups performing as part of the post’s gospel festival.
“It’s a blessing to just be here,” Hyman said. “I thank the Lord that I can come in here and wave my arms.
“I thank the Lord that I can clap my hands.”
Her hands and arms weren’t the only ones clapping and waving as soulful gospel music filled the hall Tuesday night.
This is the twelfth year the post has hosted the gospel festival as part of its annual Memorial Week Celebration.
Robert Chunn, who organized the event, said it’s important because it lets people hear different gospel groups.
“There’s a lot of people who don’t make it to church,” he said. “But they can walk here.”
Pastor Karen Foxx came with Open Door Outreach Ministries to sing. She also shared her story.
A recovering crack cocaine addict, Foxx said her faith helped her straighten out her life. She credits God with keeping her safe through years of prostitution and drug use.
Most of the members of her church also are recovering drug users, and Foxx said the gospel festival is a chance for them to give back to the community.
“We come so that we can be a blessing,” she said.
The post recognized the service of Chunn’s brother, Frank, who passed away earlier this year. Frank Chunn wasn’t a member of the post, but Post Commander Mae Carroll said he volunteered his time frequently.
“He was not a Legionnaire but I think he thought he was,” she said.
Frank Chunn was always willing to help, his brother said, whether it was by playing Santa or helping paint Easter eggs.
“Frank was a true soldier,” Robert Chunn said. “I could call on Frank morning or night and he’d be here sometimes before me.”
Contact Sara Gregory at 704-797-4257 or sgregory@salisburypost.com.