Jodell Oulliber Harrah has lived almost her whole life in Foley. The only time Jodell did not live in Foley, was during a three-year period that she worked as a travel nurse in South Florida. She graduated from Foley High School and then the University of Mobile with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. Jodell’s dad, Weldon Oulliber, retired from Baldwin County EMC and her mom, Janie Johnson MacBeth, retired from a Civil Service position in Pensacola. Jodell’s brother, Jason Oullibery and sister Jolene Oulliber still live in Foley, while her other sister Jaralea Oulliber Garrett now lives in Pensacola. Jodell said, “I also have four nephews I just love to be around!” Jodell’s grandparents, Lewis and Virgie Johnson, moved to Foley in 1957 and remained very active members of Foley UMC for the whole of their lives. Her paternal grandmother, Gladys Oulliber, was also a Foley native.

Jodell said, “I grew up in the Gulf Shores United Methodist Church and my namesake, Rev. Jody “Jodell” Hanna-Kranz is currently serving as Associate Pastor there. I have been a member of Foley United Methodist Church for 14 years.”

Following college graduation, Jodell was employed at West Florida Hospital. During her nursing career, Jodell worked as a travel nursing, a doctor’s office nurse and as an ICU nurse at South Baldwin Regional Medical Center until 2004.

In 2004, Jodell was injured in an automobile accident that left her quadriplegic and ventilator dependent. Jodell suffered a brain-stem stroke following the initial injury. Although Jodell has no voice, she is able to communicate with people by them reading her lips. Because of these and other physical issues, Jodell requires around-the-clock care. She said, “In spite of my physical challenges, I believe in God more and live every day of my life glorifying Him. God is always with me and, especially on the bad days, gives me hope. The story of Jesus healing the paralytic man from Luke 5:17-26 gives me a great knowing that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. I believe that He will heal me. I know that when I pray, God is listening to me. I know that He is my Provider. He has provided the people I need to care for me, people to love me and encourage me.”

Jodell’s strength shone through as she said, “I am on a journey of faith. I know that God has plans for me. Jeremiah 29:11 says He has plans to prosper me and not to harm me, to give me hope and a future. I am strengthened and encouraged by listening to the Word, speaking the Word (God hears me!), and being taught the truth of God’s Word.”

Jodell shared, “My greatest enjoyment is worshiping God regularly on Sundays and participating in Prayer Meeting and Bible Study at Foley UMC on Monday nights. Gatherings of family and friends give me great joy. I enjoy my dog, going to the movies and ‘talking’ via Skype with my best friend.”

Jodell Harrah is such a tremendous inspiration and those around her know it. She said, “I know it must be God at work when my church family continues to pray for me, love me, encourage me and give of their time and talents to help provide for the things I need. It is overwhelming to know that they were enthusiastic about helping me seven years ago and they are still as committed and enthusiastic today! I love them all and cannot even think what this journey would be like without them!”

Foley United Methodist Church members are having an Old fashioned Benefit for Jodell. There will be:

• An Old Fashioned BBQ Plate Lunch, July 15th 12 noon – 2 p.m. Price $10 per plate, along with the lunch they will have a silent auction
• and live music (tickets will be sold starting June 25 as well as payment at the door)
• Old Fashioned Boston Smoked Pork Butt Sale, 6 - 7 lb., tickets will be sold starting June 25 to July 11 for $30 per butt and will be ready for pickup or delivery July 11th to 15th
• Old Fashioned Raffle, the four gifts shown have been donated by FUMC church members,

• - First Prize: 4 hour fishing trip for 2 anglers (value $350)
• - Second Prize: 27”x 34” Winter
• Country Snow Scene Painting with Solid Walnut Frame (value $300)
• - Third Prize: 96”x 96” Hand Made White Afghan (Heirloom Style) (value $200)
• - Forth Prize: “Bird to Water”, Painting by Local Artist (value $50)

• The raffle will be held July 15th at 2 p.m. in the Sprit Center. Cost of raffle tickets are $5 each (You will not need to be present to be eligible)

I encourage you to visit Foley United Methodist Church as they strive to raise funds for a beautiful, inspiring lady - Jodell Harrah.

“I serve God by praying for others, sharing my faith journey and asking God to let others see the joy of Jesus in me.” ~ Jodell Harrah