Friends of ACC - Tim & Penny Whitener

Tim and Penny Whitener first became aware of Associates in Christian Counseling nearly 10 years ago through their Sunday School class. Soon afterward, they attended ACC’s annual banquet for the first time.

“Both Penny and I have been very impressed with the impact this ministry is having on people within our community. There are very few counseling ministries available in Winston-Salem which approach life’s problems from a Christian perspective,” Tim said. “We have had the opportunity to see individuals we know, both on a personal basis and from our company’s workforce, using ACC. The positive feedback we have received from them has reinforced the value of this ministry even more in our own minds.” One additional factor in their decision to become supporters of ACC was getting to know the Director, Dr. Joe Verga. “Joe exhibits a level of character in all of his dealings with individuals that cause people to want to be around him and work with him. This ministry is his heart and his passion,” stated Tim.

The Whiteners acknowledge that sometimes life throws things at us which we are not prepared to handle. ACC is able to help individuals cope with these issues in a realistic and Biblically-based way. Other times things happen as the result of our own poor choices, bad habits, or wrong thinking. ACC is able to assist in developing skills for changing these behaviors, help with creating new habit patterns, or refer individuals to appropriate treatment centers where they may receive more intensive help,” they said. “When people do not know where to turn in this community, ACC provides a terrific alternative whether it is just as a “talking partner,” an intervention provider, or for in-depth counseling services.”

Tim went on to mention a time when his company encountered a serious personnel problem. Feeling the need for some immediate assistance in working through issues, he called ACC and services were available quickly. “That level of support when you are in the midst of a crisis is difficult to find, but ACC was there to stand in the gap with us. Obviously, when we face similar situations, or have an employee with personal or family problems, the first phone call we make is to ACC. We know they will take the problem seriously, handle it with discretion and grace, as well as understand the importance of timing in these situations.”

“I would encourage others to remember and recommend ACC to their employers in the community, as well as to individuals within our companies and families. These are professionally-trained individuals with a heart for hurting people as well as a commitment to make a positive difference in this community.” Tim concluded by saying, “I know of few ministries that can combine all of these attributes into their daily involvement with people, and even fewer that deserve both our prayer and financial support.”

It is our privilege to count Tim & Penny Whitener as faithful friends of Associates in Christian Counseling!

©2007Associates in Christian Counseling, all rights reserved.

Penny Whitener is a wife, mother, and grandmother.
Timothy J. Whitener is President, Luwa Inc., CEO, Bahnson Holdings Inc.