Charles Stierhoff:
Tell us about yourself. I grew up in a family with 2 sisters and 1 brother. I am the youngest. My mother owned and operated a chain of 3 stores in Dallas named The House of Plaster. My father was a mechanic engineer at Bell helicopter. As a young teenager, my brother and I assisted him in dismantling an 80’ steel bridge, hauling it piece by piece and then reassembling it over a creek in Cedar Hill. I learned how to work on cars from him, which was good because my first car was a 55 Chevy. He taught me that most things can be repaired if you can figure out the assembly process and work backwards to determine a repair solution.
I married Mary in 1985 and became a stepfather to her 3 daughters, Jessica, Erica and Sarah. In 1996, I became a grandfather and, a year later, a father to Hannah. Stepfather, grandfather and then father sounds kinda backwards, but it worked for me. We now have 5 grandchildren, 1 girl and 4 boys.
I have worked for the city of Dallas for 36 years. I started as a technician repairing traffic signals. After receiving training, I advanced to the computer control section where computers were just starting to gain acceptance in the control of traffic signal timing and ramp metering along North Central Expressway. I advanced to Traffic Management Specialist and supervised the operations in the Traffic Management Center until I retired in 2003. In 2008, I was hired back part-time to build and administer a database of accidents at traffic signal locations where Dallas has installed red light cameras.
How did you come to Christ?
I came to know Christ at a bible church in DeSoto, TX during an Easter service. It was during a testimony that was being given by one of the founding members of the church. I was raised in a Christian home and was confirmed in the Lutheran Church. I remember denouncing the devil and all his works and ways, but I never remember turning my life to Christ. It was during the testimony that I truly understood what God had done for me by sending Christ to earth and letting Him die for my sins. I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior that day in 1998.
What kind of music do you like? I like rock-n-roll and country western music from the 70s, 80s and 90s, mainly because most of the lyrics are intelligible. Christian music from any era fits nicely in with that criteria. Having grown up in a Lutheran church, I have always enjoyed singing hymns even though some may consider them old and outdated. I am not a fan of rap music. I currently serve in the technical arts ministry which involves music and computers.
What excites you most about becoming a deacon? I would have to say that the most exciting thing about being a deacon is the ability to help and serve others here in the church body. I have been blessed with talents and like to use them whenever possible; use them or lose them.
What are your hobbies?
I consider myself a handyman and enjoy the satisfaction from fixing most anything. I have 1 fresh water and 1 sea water aquarium. Caring for these contained eco systems brings great enjoyment and it is fun to watch the interaction between certain species of aquatic life. I enjoy target shooting and just relaxing. I live on a lake, but don’t fish. I would however love to learn how to sail a boat.
My favorite bible passage is Ephesians 2:8-11:
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Tim Allen:
Tell us about yourself I was born in Dallas. My mom’s side of my family is from North Texas, and my dad’s side of my family is from East Texas. I’ve been blessed to spend time with family in both places. When I was nine years old, my family moved to Wichita Falls, Texas. We lived there until my junior year of high school, then we moved to Lawton, Oklahoma. I have lived in Waxahachie since September of 1987. I was a single dad who raised both of my kids on my own here in Waxahachie. They are both now grown, and I have eight grandchildren. My son, Timothy, and his wife, Alisha, now live in Rock Hill, South Carolina. They have six children: Kylie, Wyatt, Nathan, Peyton, Caleb, and Jolie. My daughter, Tobi, and her husband, Justin, now live in Catawba, South Carolina. They have two girls: Angelique and Lillian. I have one sister, Tammy, who lives in Waxahachie and attends WBC. My nephew, Jacob, and my niece, Ashley, also live in Waxahachie and attend WBC. I am blessed to have a close-knit family.
How did you come to Christ? I answered an alter call and was baptized 38 years ago in Wichita Falls, Texas. It wasn’t until two years after that, when I was in Junior High School, that my family started going to church on a regular basis and started learning the Bible.
What excites you most about becoming a deacon? Being able to serve the needs of people at WBC. Growing deeper in my relationship with God through this service and through fellowship and prayer with the other deacons.
What kind of music do you like? I like all genres of Christian music (contemporary, rock, R&B, country). I like to sing to all of this music, so if you see me in town in my truck singing, it’s okay to laugh!
What are your hobbies? Reading, gardening, fishing, hiking.
Mike Peavler:
Tell us about yourself. I was raised in south Tarrant County and grew up in the Ft Worth area. I graduated from Everman High School. After high school, I completed a Pharmacy Degree Program at SW Oklahoma State. I also completed a Master Program at UT Tyler.
I am a retired pharmacist, having practiced for 30 years, but have spent the last 15 years working for Waxahachie School District as a science teacher, primarily at the 6th grade level. I met my bride while working on my Hospital Residency in Ft Worth. Jeanne was in the TCU School of Nursing. We were married in 1971 and have 3 children, John David (Dallas), Krista Bartos (Waxahachie) and Kevin (Palmetto, Florida). Both Krista and Kevin are married. Krista and Kevin Bartos have 2 children, Reese and Westin, while Kevin and Anne Peavler have one son, Joshua.
What are your hobbies? Currently, Jeanne is the school nurse at Wedgworth Elementary (WISD), and I am at Finley Jr. High (WISD). While we enjoy what we do, we are also avid TCU fans, enjoy plays, musicals and travel. I am a veracious reader and enjoy mysteries and biographies as well as biblical reference and history.
What kind of music do you like? I enjoy Christian radio and employ it in my house, my school room and on the road with music I know the words to and expressions of celebration wherever I am.
How did you come to Christ? Jeanne and I are very active in the Walk to Emmaus Program. I surrendered my life to Christ at 16 and was baptized, but the Walk to Emmaus program really turned me around. It literally changed my life. I have worked many Walks since I went and was the community leader in 2013 for Ellis County. It has brought me many friends from all over the country and recently from Tasmania, Australia. I suggest the program to anyone who wishes to grow as a church leader.
What excites you most about becoming a deacon? As a deacon at WBC, I find it a humbling experience to serve this church and the many people who worship here as well as those who are touched by one of the many ministries WBC has. I have worked with Bread of Life and know the experience of touching the lives of many others you come in contact with. I look forward to whatever I am called to do with enthusiasm and joy.
