Wade & Lourdes McCollum

Wade was born and raised on a farm in Wedowee, Alabama and accepted Christ at the age of 12. He attended church throughout high school and college. He majored in agriculture and now is the "go to" man on Emmanuel's farm. Wade is also the executive director of Emmanuel and assists with the older boys. Lourdes accepted Christ at the age of seven and came to Emmanuel two years later at age nine. She now does administrative tasks, helps with the older girls and is sub director of Emmanuel. Lourdes met Wade while he was at Emmanuel as a volunteer in Fall of 2002, but they didn't talk much at that time. Wade was instantly attracted to her, but did not believe that she returned the feeling. Wade sought the Lord in prayer about his feelings for Lourdes, but was uncertain what he should do about them. A week later, one of her friends let Wade know that she returned the same feelings for him and they started dating.

Fourteen months later they were married here at Emmanuel and began a new journey as husband and wife. Wade and Lourdes now have 2 wonderful girls, Ashley and Brianna.

Wade says his favorite memory at Emmanuel was when he spent the day killing 500 chickens only to return home that same evening to a delicious BBQ chicken dinner that Lourdes had lovingly prepared for him.

"Emmanuel is not a place that can be adequately described in words. You must come see it for yourself."  - Wade