Congressman Patrick McHenry (R-NC) participated in a surprise ceremony Sunday, May 28 at 10:30 a.m. in the Shuford YMCA honoring two local soldiers and one local nonprofit organization as part of Christ Alive Church’s “Making Your Dreams Come True” contest. The Congressman presented the soldiers’ families with plaques commending their service to our nation and subsequently addressed the congregation with a Memorial Day-themed message.

“I was humbled to be a part of this special ceremony,” Congressman McHenry said. “Senior Pastor Mark Ivey, Associate Pastor Jimmy Chase and the Christ Alive Church deserve the highest praise for their bold, positive impact in Catawba County. Not only are they making dreams come true, but they’re setting a high water mark for giving back to those who’ve given so much for us.”

“As we approach Memorial Day, we are reminded of the courageous sacrifices our soldiers and their families are making every day. May God continue to bless them for their selfless, earnest dedication to our nation,” Congressman McHenry added.

The first contest winner was Specialist Barry McMurtry, a 26-year-old United States Army soldier on his second tour in Iraq. His two children, Xavier McMurtry (2-years-old) and Caiden McMurtry (four and one-half months old), and wife, Rainbow McMurtry, reside in Hickory, NC. A “Making Your Dreams Come True” application was submitted by a family friend on behalf of Specialist McMurtry; he received a laptop and webcam to communicate with his wife and two sons. The computer equipment was shipped to his commander earlier this month and will be presented to him Sunday in Iraq by Major Michael Ritchart.

This second contest winner was Staff Sergeant Ricky Corn who is stationed in Iraq with the United States Marine Corps. Gena James of Newton, NC submitted an application on his behalf, knowing his mother, Debbie Metz of Newton, NC, would like to communicate more with her son. Pastor Chase presented his family with an international calling card, along with care packages for Staff Sergeant Corn and his troupe, which were donated by two children's ministries, a youth group and a missions committee.

The final contest winners were representatives from the House of Hope – a Hickory-based, non-denominational, pending non-profit organization for hurting and troubled individuals – who will be awarded a new dishwasher.

"Someone believed in a dream five years ago to start a church plant in Newton, NC and they planted a seed of $10,000,” Jimmy Chase, Associate Pastor of Christ Alive Church, said. “Christ Alive Church is now paying it forward by making several Catawba County residents' dreams a reality.”

“From home repairs and equipment such as a heating and cooling unit, to a complete wedding with honeymoon, Making Dreams Come True – Christ Alive Church's community partnership program – has planted seeds of hope and help in the lives of its neighbors," Associate Pastor Chase said.