We have all heard the saying that if everyone that was born in West Virginia moved back to West Virginia, the state would be over-crowded. It is true many West Virginians have moved away for a variety of reasons, but some still consider West Virginia their home. This is the case with the Faulknier’s.
Both Brett and his wife Katherine were born in West Virginia, he was from Belle and she was from Milton. Brett is a Cardiac Electrophysiologist which he claims is a fancy word for heart electrician. He always says, “He is the Mark Gunderson of the heart” (high praise if you happen to know Mark Gunderson). Several years ago, Dr. Faulknier was offered an incredible career advancement opportunity that had him relocating to Vero Beach, Florida. While there are much worse places to move to due to the job, he was torn to leave the state he loved as well as friends and family. One part of him that didn’t leave was his heart for Union Mission. Even though he is almost 1000 miles away, he still gives generously to help Union Mission.
“I saw what Union Mission did every day for the hurting people of West Virginia,” Dr. Faulknier said when asked why he still donates to Union Mission. “Kathie and I attended church with Rex and Kaye Whiteman. They really poured into our lives. Their heart for the mission left a lasting impression on us. Our roots run
really deep in the Kanawha Valley and the state. We have a great deal of family still there. I have always felt that you can leave West Virginia but West Virginia will never leave you.God has blessed us with the ability to give and in this day and age knowingthat what we give is going to an organization that has a direct impact on helping people in need and introducing them to the Gospel – that makes all the difference.”
“I love getting the newsletters, email updates, seeing the posts on social media about what the mission is doing. It makes me feel closer to home when I see them,” Dr. Faulknier explained. “All of these interactions enhance the experience of giving to the mission. I get to see how my gifts are helping the mission do God’s work.”
Brett went on to explain his motivation for sending his financial gifts back home when there is need right there in Florida, “There will be need in any community that we West Virginians move to. When you look at WV as a whole, however, the needs are a bit more pronounced than in other places. It is my home and
always will be. I want to see my fellow West Virginians have a chance at a better life – a life God has for them. By supporting Union Mission, I feel that is the best way I can help since I can’t be there in person.”
Brett and Katherine wanted to challenge other West Virginia’s who have moved away, “If you have spent a lot of time in West Virginia and your roots run deep, then supporting Union Mission really does help the people there. A small amount of money from a large number of people would make a tremendous difference.”
