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ABOUT BLM (Barefoot Living Ministries)
ABOUT BLM (BAREFOOT LIVING MINISTRIES)
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Barefoot Living Ministries, located in Richmond, Virginia, uses the fine arts to fulfill our tagline that comes from Exodus 3:3-5.
“Moses said, ‘Why doesn’t the bush burn up?’
God called to him out of the bush, ‘Moses! Moses!’
He said, ‘Yes, I’m right here!’
God said, ‘Don’t come any closer. Remove your sandals from your feet.
You’re standing on holy ground.’”
(Exodus 3:3-5 - from The Message)
There are several varieties and formats of programs under the umbrella of BLM, a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) corporation. Programs like The Great Dance and The Exhibition Team use the teaching tool of dance to offer insights to teens into community, discipline and the joy of following God. In our Hand In Hand classes, married couples discover the wonder of leading and following each other in a way that ultimately depicts our relationship with God.
We invite you to step into the life-changing experience where being led by God becomes an intimate, refreshing, day-to-day way of life. At Barefoot Living, people across the generations have tasted firsthand the dance of life as God designed it, worshiping and enjoying Him on holy ground.
VISION STATEMENT
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** To provide opportunities to develop friendships and dance skills in a secure Christian environment.
** To use ballroom dance to teach social and etiquette skills.
** To promote servant leadership and joyful surrender in all relationships including marriage.
** To foster a desire to be aware of God’s presence in all of life and enjoy A Way of Life….on Holy Ground.
MISSION STATEMENT
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To use ballroom dance to teach character and leadership skills while strengthening marriages and families in an encouraging Christian environment.
WHY BAREFOOT…?
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The feet of those in a barefoot army get dirty as they go forth in mission. Although the work is hard and being tough is a necessity, Jesus set an example to wash one another’s feet. This humble posture is a reminder of our responsibility of service to others. Bare feet are susceptible to all the landscape has to offer. As a result they are sensitive, yet durable.
Going barefoot represents the ultimate in comfort and freedom… so is life in the Kingdom. Living with awareness that we are before a Holy God, street-smart, tough and fighting trim, available to do what He asks, humble before Him, and sensitive to His still small voice. Experiencing life with freedom, peace within, and security in Him. Barefoot Living Ministries teaches life skills for Kingdom living.
BLM’s Community Covenant revolves around God’s Golden Rule.................. To promote the standard of Matthew 7:12 and the goals of Barefoot Living Ministries, this following Community Covenant has been created to set the standard for which all should act. Therefore, the following unbiblical conduct is not permitted. Anyone observing behavior inconsistent with the below BLM guidelines shall notify a BLM office representative. Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to: 1. Offensive language, gestures, or other forms of communication such as profanity, sexually suggestive remarks, language that humiliates, shames, threatens or degrades one’s self or others, jokes at other’s expense, slurs, writings or drawings that are offensive and likely to offend. 2. Offensive physical actions including unwarranted and unwelcomed advances or touching of others, whether sexually suggestive, provocative, violent, reckless, etc. In general, physical contact and actions shall be limited to what is called for and required for dancing as directed by BLM office representative. 3. Objects of any kind that may be considered dangerous, unlawful, or that do not pertain specifically to the BLM program or event are not allowed. When in doubt . . . leave all such items at home. 4. Clothing that is suggestive, provocative, or that displays or promotes offensive language, messages, or ideas. Clothing for all BLM programs and events shall be modest and appropriate for the occasion. 5. Bringing or discussing inappropriate materials, sharing inappropriate intimate details of one’s personal life or intimate displays of affection. 6. BLM Board of Directors, Volunteers, Assistants, Teachers, Employees, Artistic & Production Team Members, and Parents are prohibited from dating BLM student Participants unless approval is secured from both sets of parents and BLM office representative has been informed. Co-Director – Cindy Ferrell. Cindy joined BLM in 19__ as a bookkeeper and board member, as well as to support her son, Tyler. In 2009 Cindy stepped into the Co-Director role along with Cheryl Richardson. We encourage you to get to know her, so come to the Saturday evening TGD events and all special events to see Miss Cindy in action. Co-Director – Cheryl Richardson. Cheryl started out as a helping mom for her 5 daughters and 2 sons. She eventually joined BLM as a part-time office administrator in 2008 and is currently serving faithfully as Co-Director along with Cindy Ferrell. You can visit and get to know Miss Cheryl on Friday evenings at The Great Dance and all special events. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, Barefoot Living Ministries, Inc. is governed by a board of directors. To communicate with the board, please contact
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John Walter (chair) "The Goal of Barefoot Living Ministries is the development of whole and effective Christians who will positively impact the church, society, and the world around them for the glory of God and His Kingdom. God's love and law are the standard by which to evaluate behavior. Through God's creation of dance, and using God's Word as our guide and standard, we seek to honor God in all our words, thoughts, deeds, and actions." Jonathan Helmer – Lead Dance Teacher and Emcee The Exhibition Team, led by Jonathan Helmer, uses their knowledge and love of dance as a way to cross multi-generational boundaries. They travel across Virginia to different retirement and assisted-living facilities to help bring a sense of nostalgia to the residents. As the men and women from the Exhibition Team ask the residents to dance, their eyes light up, their minds wander, and they are transported and swept away, if even for a brief moment, to another place. If you want Barefoot Living Ministries’ Exhibition Team to come see you, please call Cindy or Cheryl in the office at (804)262-4877 or email them at
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"Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them". - Matthew 7:12 (NKJ)
BLM STAFF MEMBERS
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BOARD MEMBERS
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Current 2010 BLM board members are:
Cindy Ferrell
Dan Roose
Malcolm Shealy
Frank Surface
Beth York
Bruce Utne
David Testroet
- The Board of Directors
DANCE INSTRUCTORS / DJs
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Miriam Testroet – M&M Coordinator
Peter Richardson – Lead DJ for Friday Night
Julie Richardson – Dance Teacher
Mr. David Testroet – Lead DJ for Saturday Night
Emily Testroet – Dance Teacher's Assistant
Mr. Malcolm Shealy - Advanced/Intermediate Dance Teacher
Merry Richardson - DJ-in-training
EXHIBITION TEAM
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