Harry Fields turns faith into God-honoring service

Harry picks up a few flowering plants from the garden shop and drives to the memory care center for his daily visit with Gale. It was a difficult decision, the couple were inseparable, but it was for her safety and there are days now when she doesn't recognize her husband.

Harry has taken over the beautification of the center's patio area. He and Gale do the gardening together. Sometimes there is not much conversation between the couple who marked their 50th anniversary last year, but they stand side by side planting new plants, deadheading flowers, and watering the garden to ward off the day's summer heat.

After serving in the Army, Harry Fields moved to Wilmington in 1969. A new job, a young family, and a bright future—he was living the American dream. Then his wife left, taking their two sons. Harry was alone, surprised by the turn his life had taken. He was surprised again when she called suddenly, telling him to come and pick up the boys.

Harry would raise them as a single parent until he met Gale. She became a family friend. The couple married in 1974. The boys were five and seven.

"She fell in love with the boys—and I fell in love with her," Harry recalls.

Harry has learned that God is trustworthy. His is a faith tempered by hardship and nurtured by blessing. It is an unwavering faith. He asserts, "I never have a need that God doesn't supply."

Harry and Gale had looked forward to his retirement. They had plans—spending time doing the things they had talked about for years, Harry tackling a list of honey dos, serving more through their church, and having time with family. It was after his retirement that Harry became involved in the men's mission group at his church, Scott Hills Baptist Church in Wilmington. He and Gale were active members.

He was approached to be part of a group that would build a new chapel at Pender Correctional Institute. He discovered his gifts for organization and recruiting. He made sure materials were onsite and was exceptionally good at leading and affirming the other men.

"God gives us talents," he says. "We learn new skills and use the gifts He provides, honoring Him for His purpose."

After more than two years, the chapel was completed. Harry gives credit freely to the volunteers: "They are the ones who made it happen, completed the job and got it done."

In 2014, Harry visited Kennedy Home in Kinston. His heart quickened as he toured the campus. "It was amazing. Everything from the grand archway as you enter campus, to exploring the property as far back as the river, to walking the Cedar Dell."

Harry loves children. He and Gale have two children together—a girl and a boy. All four of their children are married now and there are 10 grandchildren. It was hard for the two to imagine what it must be like for a child to not have a place to call home.

This time Harry was asked to tackle a project to renovate and up-fit the "Food Locker." He would again recruit and organize a team and schedule the volunteers for work days.

He spent hours researching needed materials and coordinated with the Kennedy Home management team to secure the supplies. Finding the proper supplies was a challenge. The team needed to seal the outside brick wall to protect from water intrusion. Through his research, he found the best product.

"We accepted the challenge as a team and completed the work in just over a year," Harry says. "We replaced the kitchen ceiling with period-style beadboard, added new restrooms, painted the interior, and sealed the exterior brick. I thank God for supplying all our needs and for the team who got the job done."

Harry and the men have tackled other projects as needed, adopting the motto, "No job too large or too small."

Life took a turn in 2017. Harry faced knee replacement and the onset of health issues. He had provided all of Gale's care up to then, but she could no longer be left alone and moved to the memory care center. He began daily visits. Through it all, he remained in touch with the church's mission leader and the other volunteers—always with an "eye on things."

An invitation to return to Kennedy Home was unexpected. Baptist Children's Home Trustee Nathan Sanders and new CEO David Melber had special plans. Standing by Melber, Harry was recognized for his volunteer work. The framed certificate presented him commended Harry for his "exceptional dedication, compassionate service, and unwavering support."

Melber cited 1 Peter 4:10, affirming Harry as an example of a great God-honoring volunteer—"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful servants of God's grace in its various forms."

Harry humbly accepted the honor. But in fine Harry fashion, he took the opportunity to urge others to volunteer, saying there is always something one can do when it comes to helping hurting children and families.

Written by  Jim  Edminson, Editor of Charity & Children