Nancy Taylor: Greene Publishing, Inc.
Melva Morfaw serves St. Mary’s Episcopal Church and the community as the director of Shepherd’s Hands, a free medical
Melva Morfaw is a member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church.
clinic offered to members of the community who have no insurance and meet certain income qualifications.
Morfaw was instrumental in opening the clinic in September of 2016. She had worked in a similar-style clinic when she lived in California, and she presented the idea to the members of St. Mary’s, and she helped see the vision through to fruition.
In addition to her work with Shepherd’s Hands, she is active in the church in many other ways. She serves on the vestry of the church, and she is a member of the altar’s guild. She is also a lay reader, and she assists Pastor Boyles with the weekly services.
Morfaw says she has been a part of St. Mary’s Episcopal for over 20 years. According to Morfaw, her motivation comes from the feeling that she is “meeting a need.” “When I’m doing the clinic, I feel I’m serving a need. I believe in love in action; I feel this clinic is love in action,” stated Morfaw.
When asked what her favorite Bible verse is, Morfaw said it would be easier to name her favorite hymn, “A Charge to Keep have I; My God to Glorify.” It’s clear to see that she lives by this theme.
Concerning Morfaw, St. Mary’s pastor, Joe Boyles says, “She has really come into her own with Shepherd’s Hands. She’s a leader.”
Morfaw is not only a willing servant to Shepherd’s Hands, she is also well-educated and well-equipped for leadership. She holds two master’s degrees – one in history and the other in sociology.
“I’m so thankful for all of the volunteers (who work with Shepherd’s Hands). People who work a day’s work and come here to volunteer. I’m thankful,” said Morfaw.
Melva Morfaw is tremendously prepared for working with people; she has four sisters and three brothers. Two of her sisters and two of her brothers live here in Madison County. In fact, one of Morfaw’s sisters also volunteers with the Shepherd’s Hands ministry.
Melva Morfaw has a heart to serve, and she wants to see the Shepherd’s Hands ministry grow so it can be of greater benefit to the community.