Inspire, Winter 2000

Inspire 17 Alumni Profile: Norma Nulph ’60 W hen Norma Nulph received her 40-year pin from Baptist Mid-Missions in July of this year, she was pleased that the ceremony was at Cedarville University where it all started in the fall of 1955. For almost all of the years since she graduated in 1960, Norma has worked in the inner-city of Cleveland. What started as a children’s ministry that provided Bible studies, food, clothing, club programs, and summer camp has now developed into the “Miracle on 55th Street,” known as the Faith Baptist Community Center. The center, once an old grocery store, now provides many services to the inner-city community in which it is located. “In addition to providing food and clothing,” Norma stated, “the center has top-notch medical facilities and an excellent medical program which is staffed by three volunteer doctors.” Medical services include a pregnancy center where, Norma said, “We are providing good prenatal care and trying to save babies.” The center provides meals for about 150 people on Wednesdays, for ladies in the women’s ministry on Thursdays, and for all who come to Sunday school. Among its many other programs, the center sponsors a Cross-Trainers program which is basically an Awana program for inner-city youth. In addition, the center regularly distributes clothing and has a special program of providing gifts and toys for children at Christmas. Volunteers are the heart of the ministry at Faith. Individuals and churches gave the money and provided the manpower to renovate the building and pay off all but about $50,000 of the debt. “It’s all volunteers,” Norma noted. “There wouldn’t be a ministry without them.” In addition to Norma, who serves as women’s coordinator, the center has three associates: Bill and Roberta Davis, a retired couple, and Roxanne Reynolds, all of whom are self-supported. For most of the first 29 years, Norma was the only person working in the ministry. Norma’s personal life was greatly affected by her mentor, Jean Fisher, a retired Cedarville professor. “I wouldn’t be able to get into Cedarville today,” Norma laughed, “and I wouldn’t have gotten through Cedarville without Jean Fisher encouraging and helping me all the way. The diamond in my 40-year pin is for Jean, the diamond in my life.” Coming to Cedarville shortly after her conversion, Norma was introduced to working with children through her Christian service ministry. During her sophomore year, she started a junior church program in Zion Baptist Church of Xenia and began a relationship that continues to this day. Norma has realized that without the Lord she would have continued to be a street kid. “I am what I am because of what the Lord has done for me. He taught me that I am special in His sight, and He is concerned about me,” Norma continued, “and I have always wanted to tell people that they are special to Him.” “I wouldn’t change anything,” said Norma. “I am content and happy in what the Lord has done in my life.” She sees some recent physical challenges as an opportunity to know the Lord in a deeper way. Although many of the dreams that Norma had for the program at Faith have been fulfilled, she is still left with a desire that the program will one day have a pastor who will make it a church program. “When that happens,” she said, “my dream will be complete.” Miracle on 55th Street