for you are all one in Christ Jesus

Part of a much bigger Story

With a heart for missions and thriving communities, the leadership team at Stoll Industries is inspired to see all people experience the Kingdom of God in their lives.  In recognition of the many blessings God has imparted on their company, Stoll actively seeks opportunities to share these blessings so others can increase wholeness in their lives.  Fostering discipleship, equipping individuals, families, organizations and communities has become a priority to advance the Kingdom of God.     

In 2021 the management team at Stoll Industries consulted with Ford Taylor to develop a stronger leadership team and further cultivate a positive culture throughout their company.  Ford is the founder of FSH Strategy Consultants and Transformational Leadership, specializing in consulting, leadership development, and cultural change within businesses and other organizations.  to learn more about Ford Taylor

The leadership team at Stoll Industries recognized the positive impact of the training and recognized the training as a response to the call to community transformation.  In January 2022 a diverse group of people came together in Abbeville, SC for two days of Transformational Leadership training led by Ford.  The purpose of the initial training was two-fold; to provide personal and leadership development to area residents, and to assess the interest level of the greater community in breaking down social, cultural and racial barriers. 

John W. Stevenson, Senior Pastor of Heirs Covenant Church in Hamilton, Ohio was invited by Ford and others to join in leading and training the group.  Working together, John and Ford have a deep history of bringing about profound community transformation in the Cincinnati, Ohio area.  Together, these great leaders provided valuable insight and comprehension for the group.  Their experience in community transformation provided the assurance needed to stay the course.  to learn more about John W

This initial training provided the foundation for future gatherings, with additional participants invited each month.  Having common language and understanding of processes benefitted group dynamics. Embracing steps to personal growth, healthy communication, and positive relationships benefitted each individual.

Over time one hundred-twenty people attended one or more of the monthly sessions with a desire to learn more and to cultivate reconciliation and thriving communities.  The initial focus would be on Abbeville County, however the desire to see transformation is not limited to the confines of the county.  Transformation around the world is the ultimate desire, starting at home seemed appropriate.

The current initiative is one more milestone on the long journey walked by many to bring wholeness and reconciliation. It is important to note the many efforts put forth in previous years to build a cohesive and unified community. Many of those efforts are actively benefitting our communities, perhaps renewed interest and focus will bring more synergy to the dreams and visions of many. Perhaps unmet needs will be identified and solutions developed.

While there were many organizations effectively meeting needs, Abbeville County had a poverty level of 22.7% leaving some people with unmet needs.  Addressing disparity for people of color was a driving motivator, particularly because of the lingering historical context of the civil war stemming from Abbeville.  This effort would be non-partisan and non-denominational.      

This statement reflects the sentiments of early participants:

            “In fifty years if there were to be a plaque on the wall about our efforts it might say something like this: These bridge-builders inspired our communities to thrive into a kingdom of reconciliation and opportunity through unity, love and empowerment.”  

A name for this initiative was needed to provide identity and cohesion.  After prayerful consideration, Becoming ABBAville was determined to be the name.  This name pays homage to Abbeville County while also providing an opportunity for expansion into other communities.  Our desires are to see every community become the “inhabited place of our Father”. 

On a national level a much broader group with shared objectives was forming.  The Great Awakening Project would begin to serve as a source for inspiration and shared resources.  Collaboration between the two groups was strengthened by Ford’s leadership and involvement in both initiatives.  The Seven Spheres of Influence model, borrowed from the Great Awakening Project, provided an organizational structure used to address community transformation in Abbeville County.  Seven teams would be formed to assess data, identify issues and barriers to progress and create strategies for addressing those issues.  Each self-directed team met and identified for themselves their objectives, strategies and actions to address identified issues in their area of influence.  For more information: www.gapmovement.com     

Training was sponsored by Harvest Christian Ministries a nonprofit organization of Stoll Industries.