After Pop Solesbee suffered a heart attack, an aneurysm, lung cancer surgery, and now a recurrence of cancer, many of his family and friends came together recently to help get the building ready to open. Solesbee&39;s brother and sister-in-law, Von and Marsha Smeltzer, came to Landrum from Ocean Isle Beach, N.C., set up &dquo;camp&dquo; in their RV next to the building so they could be on hand to work and organize and then called in more help from their children, also from Ocean Isle Beach. Charlene and Kurt Greer and their children, Katie and twins Hunter and Gunnar, all arrived in Landrum armed with tools, materials, energy, experience and knowledge and set to work. Charlene and Kurt are both ordained ministers and have started and run several youth ministries in South and North Carolina. They are full of ideas and energy and put it to work for Heart&squo;s Refuge. After four days of hard work, the building doesn&squo;t even look like the same place. &bsp;

With them also came a much needed gift to Pop. He is now driving a van with room to haul his &dquo;stuff,&dquo; kids, whatever. His brother bought the van and gave it to him for the glory of God. His brother said he thought the van was probably used in the illegal drug trade, and now it has been transformed into a tool for the use of God&squo;s ministry.

Hearts Refuge Ministry is going to be for the whole community. Pop said, &uot;If you are a kid or an adult, if you go to school, or work for the school, own a business or simply are a resident of Landrum, you are a part of this ministry. When our kids are happy and off the streets with a safe place to go, everybody benefits. It&squo;s not just about physical and emotional needs, but also spiritual needs will be met, with guidance to help any need. There are lots of resources available.&dquo;

Pop Solesbee and his colleagues invite everyone to come by the ministry at 100 N. Bomar Street, the corner of Bomar and Prince streets in Landrum, to see what it&squo;s about, say hello, make suggestions or volunteer your time and/or help. Of course, donations will always be welcome and accepted — anything to benefit the kids, including games, books, videos, Play Station games, and/or money. He also says many churches, businesses, neighbors, family members and individuals have already helped immensely with donations and more to make this dream a reality.

Pop says, &dquo;The bottom line is every kid needs to know that they are wonderfully and specially made by God and He loves them.&dquo;

The opening date of Hearts Refuge will be announced soon.

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