Pastor Wayne Mays
I was Born in Waynesboro, VA 1947 to Lew and Charlotte Mays. Our home was located in the Shanondoah Valley where I was raised with three brothers on 11 acres. We had a happy Christian home where we were taught about Jesus Christ and how He died for us. At the age of 12, we moved to Columbus, Ohio where my dad could get a better job. My parents always had strong faith as we grew up, and showed it in many ways as trials came into our lives. With three of four sons in Vietnam, my parents and the church prayed for us. My youngest brother, Andy, was wounded and sent home while I continued to serve another 5 months. I credit our survival to those prayers and God's Grace.
I met and married a Kentucky girl, Gail Cardwell, and we have been blessed with 2 sons and 2 daughters. God has also blessed us with 8 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
I announced my call to preach on August 22, 1973, and preached my first sermon August 26, 1973. I was ordained September 13, 1975. I began a career as a long-haul truck driver in 1976 and was blessed to continue preaching, teaching and singing gospel music. This wasn't always easy, but God is faithful and, through His blessings, He allowed me to be faithful to the ministry He gave me.
During my time as a truck driver, I wrote many gospel songs and recorded 35 of them onto CDs. I was known as the singing, preaching truck driver. Whenever I stopped for gas, I engaged in conversations with other drivers and gave them one of my CDs. I never took money for these CDs because the Lord told me not to sell them, but to give them away. He has been faithful to supply the need.
Tragedy struck in January 2007, while in route to Grand Rapids, MI, I stopped for fuel at a pilot truck stop in Findley, Ohio and suffered an aortic aneurysm at the fuel pump. I was life-flighted to Ohio State University Hospital. The family was called in and informed that 98% of cases such as mine did not end well. If I were fortunate to be in the 2% that survived, I would be in a vegetative state. God worked a miracle and I continue to live. I am a walking miracle. Even though I am no longer able to drive a truck, I thank God for all He has done and the opportunity He provided to reach many drivers on the road CDs and conversations.
Once again, God has blessed me as He has allowed me to be the Pastor at Wonderland Community Church. I believe God has a plan for us and I covet your prayers as we seek to build the church.