Former Alumni, Ted Hall, Shares
His Artistic Talents with Kids
 By Diane Harney, Volunteer
Writer
Former Kentucky United Methodist Home resident, Ted Hall, is sowing seeds
of artistic inspiration in the hearts of our children. “I sold my first
painting at age seven for one dollar,” he
says. “I grew up severely dyslexic, so I would draw instead of write.”
“I loved the Methodist Home,” says Ted. “It was a place of
rest and peace for me. I got the truth of God’s word there, and I
believe God sealed me for salvation when I was at the Home. God sewed His
seeds in me at an early age. That has been instrumental in my life.”
Ted came to the Children's Home in 1972 when he was 11 years old. He
moved with his five siblings from the mountains of Harlan, Kentucky,
to the Methodist Home in Versailles following his mother’s tragic death. Ted’s
father, an alcoholic, was unable to care for the family at the time.
Ann Crowe, former employee of the Children's Home, remembers the day
she brought Ted and his siblings to the Home. She fondly recalls
Ted as a budding artist. “Ted
had prepared a drawing for me when I arrived, and he seemed very excited and
eager about coming to the Home. As Ted grew and matured at the Methodist Home,
his determination to become an artist never wavered,” says Ann.
Throughout Ted’s teen years, he spent some time in foster homes and
the Children's Home. After graduating from high school, Ted found success
in several different jobs until he decided to pursue a full-time career
as an artist. Ted now lives in Lexington, has been married for 25 years,
and has four children. He is a mural artist for the Texas Roadhouse restaurant
chain and a self-employed handyman.
Not long ago, Ted felt something drawing him back to the Methodist
Home as he drove by. "I decided that I could give back by connecting to
those kids through art lessons. I want to plant the seeds of encouragement
and show them that they can get past this difficult time in their lives."
Ted says people who did not even know him were donating to the
Methodist Home on his behalf. He remembers years ago that a cottage
counselor’s prayers
and acceptance helped him deal with his family situation at the time. “There
is nothing greater than having someone acknowledge you and affirm you,” says
Ted.
Today, Ted is sharing his gift of art with current residents
on the Versailles Campus in hopes of sowing new seeds. “I love the place I am in my life” he
says. “I am blessed, and I know it."
"The Methodist Home offers an incredible opportunity to influence these
kids for the kingdom of God. The staff may not see the fruit of their efforts
yet, but the seeds being planted here will grow.”
Diana Fain, Volunteer Coordinator at the Children's Home
says, “Ted has
been an inspiration to our youth and staff. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed
watching the expressions on the faces of our current residents when he
tells them about living at the Home.”
If anyone knows the importance of connecting to youth at
such a vulnerable time in their lives, it is Ted Hall. “These kids are great,” he says. “I
believe they are brought here by God to meet with Him and give them opportunities.
That’s God’s love – He’ll pull you out of your
world, save you, and send you back to share Jesus's message.”
Ted is living proof of that.
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