Chaplaincy Program
The YMCA of Southeastern NC is a non-profit association committed to a mission of putting Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
One of the ways we support our mission is by offering a chaplaincy program to help support the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of our staff, members and program participants. This ministry is for all people of different faiths, cultures, backgrounds, and belief systems.
Our volunteer chaplains will serve at various times in our Nir Family YMCA and Sampson County branch's. Feel free to say hello if the Chaplain On Duty is available. If you are interested in scheduling a meeting with one of our Chaplains or have a prayer request, please use the link below.
Weekly Bible Study
Join us for weekly Bible study with chaplain Alex Mercer every Tuesday at the Nir Family YMCA. We meet in the community room from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.
Let us know you're coming. RSVP below!
Meet Our Chaplains
Alex Mercer
Nir Family YMCA
Alex is a native Wilmingtonian. After attending the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Alex began a career in insurance and finance. He moved back to Wilmington in 2004 to be close to family and the beach. Alex has a heart to serve others and trained to become a chaplain in 2019. He attends Northside Church and volunteers to visit prisoners in the county correctional facility as well as members and program participants at the YMCA. He is available for employees, members, and the community to help them through stressful seasons of life and to help answer questions someone may have about life and God. Alex has two adult children and a grandson. In his personal time, if Alex isn't with his family, you will find him outdoors kayaking, boating, fishing, or out taking a hike. Alex says that the best decision he ever made was to accept Jesus as his personal savior, submit to His Lordship, and follow Him.
Laura Farrior
Sampson County YMCA
Laura Farrior is a native of Warsaw, North Carolina. However, in 1982 she relocated to Woodbridge VA when her husband, Larry, was transferred to Quantico Virginia as a US Marine. In 2019 after 35 years of Federal service in Washington, DC, she retired from her position as senior executive and relocated to Leland, NC. Laura is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Calvin and Laura Hobbs from Warsaw, North Carolina. She is the wife of Reverend Larry C. Farrior of 42 years. She is also the mother of two adult sons, Byron (Austin, TX) and Brandon (Woodbridge, VA). Laura believes we have the responsibility to serve in God’s kingdom by demonstrating love and compassion to others, remain humble, and serve the Lord. She has a degree in Psychology-Christian Counseling from Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. Laura enjoys serving in the Kingdom, spending time with her family, cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers. She loves to travel throughout the U.S. and abroad with husband and friends.
Reverend Larry Farrior
Sampson County YMCA
Reverend Larry Farrior is an ordained minister and the pastor of Wards Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Harrells, North Carolina. He worked for 40 years in the federal government by serving in the U.S. Marine Corps and federal sector. He received a master’s degree in computer information systems from Strayer University in 2003 and is currently enrolled in Newburgh Theological Seminary Doctoral program. He has held the roles of church administrator and Christian education director, and he is currently the chaplain for the American Legion Post 10 Honor Guard in Wilmington, NC. Reverend Farrior is dedicated to preaching and teaching God’s Word as he encourages and supports God’s children. He also leads bible study bi-weekly to the residents of Brunswick Cove Living Center in Winnabow, NC. He has been married to his lovely wife Laura for over 40 years. They are proud parents of two adult sons, Byron (TX) and Brandon (VA). His hobbies include riding his Can-Am motorcycle and spending time with family and friends.
Ann Jackson
Sampson County YMCA
Ann is a native to Warsaw, NC. She joined the United States Navy in 1995 and retired in 2015. After retiring from the United States Navy, Ann began a career in Civil Service where she worked as an Information Technology Specialist. Ann is currently pursuing higher education in the field of Cyber Security. She moved back to North Carolina in September 2024 to be closer to family. Ann believes in providing a safe space for individuals to explore their questions, fears, and hopes without judgment. She feels called to "show up for others in their times of need," helping them find strength and meaning through their most difficult life experiences. In her free time, she enjoys travel, hiking, and academics. Ann is the proud mother of two adult children.
Deanisha Roberts
Sampson County YMCA
Deanisha is a Bronx, New York native who relocated to North Carolina in 2013. Married to Christian Life Coach Vincent, they help individuals achieve personal, spiritual, and professional goals from a faith-based perspective.
Deanisha has two beautiful daughters and is currently fostering children through the Children’s Home Society of North Carolina.
She is a Christian Poetry Writer, writing inspirational poems for Eber & Wein Publishing. Currently pursuing to become an Ordained Chaplain through Christian Leaders Institute. She currently holds a Wedding & Funeral Officiant license and is also a Chaplain Officiant.
Her love for people has led her to marriage mentoring and coaching and is now blossoming into Chaplaincy.
Julean Self
Sampson County YMCA
Julean is a proud native of Sampson County. After 32 years of dedicated public service with the State of North Carolina as a human resources professional, she returned home from Raleigh. Her commitment to serving others continued through ten years as the Human Resources Director for Cumberland County. In recognition of her integrity and leadership in state service, Julean was honored in 2003 with the prestigious “Order of the Long Leaf Pine.” She continues to serve part-time in public service today.
In 2022, Julean lost her beloved husband, Ray. Inspired by her faith and compassion for others, she is currently pursuing chaplaincy training and certification. She is an active member of Baptist Chapel Church in Autryville, NC, and the proud mother of her daughter Ginger who lives in Raleigh with her husband, Matthew, and their three children—Allie, Josh, and Jackie.
Julean is also an engaged member of the YMCA, where she values not only the physical benefits of wellness but also the opportunity to prioritize spiritual growth and help others discover life’s true purpose.
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Sylvester Charles Wilson
Sampson County YMCA
Elder Sylvester Charles Wilson is an Ordained Minister and Co-Pastor at Keep It Real Christian Center in Clinton, North Carolina. He worked for the Department of Corrections Division of Prisons for 24 years and for the Sampson County Sheriff Office for 7 years. He has been involved in Ministry for 42 years; he received an Associate of Arts in Theology in 2011, from the North Carolina College of Theology in Clinton, North Carolina. He has held the position of church administrator, Sunday School Adult teacher, Sunday School Director, Trustee, and finance officer. He is currently a member of Sampson County Chamber of Commerce and presently serves on the board of directors at Faith Academy Daycare Inc. and U Care the program for Domestic Violence victims and families, both located in Clinton, NC. Elder Wilson has a passion for helping people and putting them sometimes before himself. He has been dedicated to portraying this type of behavior on and off the job, he is also dedicated to supporting and encouraging God's children. He has been married to his queen (lovely wife) Janice for 41 years. They are the proud parents of two adult daughters, Tabitha and Shauntay, and two adult sons, Sylvester and Terrence.
Join Our Program
We are currently seeking volunteers to join our Chaplaincy Program. If you or someone you know are interested in learning more or finding ways to support the Chaplaincy Program, please contact Shannon Berg at [email protected].
