Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries (CMCM) recently bid farewell to two remarkable individuals who dedicated their lives to serving children and families in the name of Jesus. Sandy and Randy McManus, with a combined service of 60 years (26 and 34 years, respectively), have left an indelible mark on the ministry and countless lives they have touched along the way. Randy served as the Greenwood Campus Administrator, while Sandy fulfilled her role as the Greenwood Campus Support Coordinator.
Their journey at CMCM has been one of unwavering compassion, love, and commitment to making children’s dreams come true. Through their roles, they not only managed the administrative aspects but also fostered an environment of care, nurture, and support for Connie Maxwell children. Their tireless efforts have helped shape the lives of numerous children, providing them with hope and healing.
Randy looks back on his time serving CMCM with gratitude. “Living, working, and serving at Connie Maxwell has been the greatest honor of my life. I will treasure most, the relationships with young people and with incredible staff who have applied their energy, intelligence, and spiritual gifts to make a difference in the lives of these young people.”
In recognition of their outstanding service, CMCM honored Sandy and Randy by dedicating the McManus Walk on November 2. This walkway, traversing through the heart of the campus, stands as a testament to their commitment to the safety and well-being of Connie Maxwell children. It symbolizes their legacy of protection, ensuring that every child who walks through the campus feels secure and valued.
On November 6, Sandy McManus received the 2023 “Will You Come to Me in My Dreams” Endowment Award for decades of faithful service to the Lord and Connie Maxwell children. The award is peer nominated and is an endowment fund established by President Danny Nicholson and his wife, Debra, to honor the moment when God called them to CMCM and to honor and remember their parents.
This accolade underscores Sandy’s profound impact and the deep impression she has left on her colleagues and the entire CMCM community. Her dedication, kindness, and unwavering devotion to the children she served have truly made her an exemplar of compassion and service.
Sandy reflects on her time at CMCM. “My favorite places to be were in Connie Maxwell Baptist Church and in the woods at the ropes course. The church, with its high ceiling and beautiful windows, conveys a strong sense of love from those who provided the funds to build it, to the enduring presence of the children and staff who have learned, sung, and prayed within those walls. The woods, with its trails and trees give a peaceful, protected environment for wildlife and people to also learn, sing, and pray in another tall, beautiful, and spiritual place.”
President Danny Nicholson remarks on the impact of Randy and Sandy McManus. “They are the essence of what Connie Maxwell is all about. For so long, they were a staple in our culture and created an example of sacrifice and compassion beyond the call of duty. We will miss them, but their impact will linger in our hearts and minds forever!”
Sandy and Randy’s influence will continue to resonate within the ministry and the hearts of those they have touched for years to come. Their passion for the mission of transforming children’s lives will continue to inspire and guide all those who follow in their footsteps. They have faithfully served to make the dreams of Connie Maxwell children possible.
