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January 12, 2013

Devotion to help people in need drives deputy clerk

By John Filonow Stillwater NewsPress

STILLWATER, Okla. — Ben Burnsed began working as a deputy clerk in the Payne County Clerk’s Office Jan. 2.

He has another job at MPower in Stillwater as a habitation training specialist. MPower helps provide jobs for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Burnsed said he met County Clerk Glenna Craig when she worked at the County Election Board. He went to vote and pick up registration forms to take to others.

“It influenced my career path, the desire to help people who need extra assistance,” Burnsed said.

Away from work, Burnsed is a board member of the Asia International Ministry, based in Stillwater.

He and his wife have an interest in helping children in India, he said. The ministry provides funding for education and basic needs for children in India and exposes them to Christianity, Burnsed said.

“We had a heart for India and an interest in the mission,” Burnsed said. “When the board president approached me to be a board member, it was real easy to say yes,” Burnsed said.

Russ Sharrock, president of the board and founder of the ministry, said part of its mission is to provide children in India with food, clothing, education and health care.

Sharrock said Burnsed has been involved in the ministry for more than a year and has helped to get the ministry’s vision out to the public. He said he chose Burnsed because he is a man of integrity and not a yes man.

“He’s willing to take a stand for what’s right,” Sharrock said. “He’s a good man to have at your back.”

 Burnsed said he likes camping and singing in church. He is member of Eagle Heights Baptist Church and was a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church for 19 years.

Hillcrest Pastor John Dickey said Burnsed helps with the church’s music and encourages people to express their opinions.

Burnsed said he feels his contribution is to help others.

“(It is) to serve God in whatever capacity He has for me and help my fellow citizens,” Burnsed said.

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