ELIZABETHTOWN — An earthly angel by the name of William H. Moore is walking among us.

An Elizabethtown resident who was reared and educated in Bladen County, Moore, who is also an ordained minister, is the founder and executive director of United Universal Life Church, Inc., a non-profit charitable, Christian ministry.

In 2010, with the guidance and counseling of Shallotte resident David Pickett, UULC was sanctioned by the Internal Revenue Service as a Tax Exempt organization. However, many years before his 501(c)(3) designation, Moore has been helping the homeless and hopeless. In addition, because of his compassion for the broken-hearted, he also comes to the aid of persons with a felony record. Moore states that his mission is to build up the self-esteem of those he serves and put him or her on a path of becoming a productive citizen to society.

As a disabled Air Force veteran, Moore has a divine calling for helping the homeless and persons who have lost hope in society and the will to live. A few short years ago, Moore reached out to several struggling persons. One had considered suicide and another was addicted to crack. Another person had been incarcerated and was having a hard time fitting back into traditional society.

Unlike many, Moore took these folks under his wings, counseling them back to life and away from their destructive lifestyle and thinking.

What Moore instills in the homeless, the hopeless, and everyone else he meets or serves is that they are somebody regardless of their current situation and unwanted condition. At the same time, he gives those who are downtrodden a road map to success, and let them know that “now is not forever.” According to Pickett, because of Moore’s unconditional love for those written off by much of society coupled with his passion to acquaint the lost with Jesus Christ soul saving power, has propelled him to thrive to build or secure a dwelling for the homeless and hopeless to come and be fed spiritually and physically.

According to Moore, on any given day, he will teach the Word of God, pray with, and provide wisdom and inspirational counseling to seven or more persons. At the same time, he has a number of persons who may call him at midnight and even 3:00 am in need of prayer, a ride, or just bread to feed and satisfy the soul or body. Moore understands very well that due to evil forces and societal issues, a person can be battling multitude of problems at one time, or might be lonely and just need an ear to vent too and a shoulder to lean on. He and UULC are that ear and shoulder.

In 2007, Moore lost his wife Janie. The two were inseparable, and she played a big role in his ministry by also helping lift up those who are bent spiritually, mentally, and physically. Although Moore wanted to give up during his season of grieving, he did not. As an overcomer and believer in Christ Jesus, he held to the vision God birthed in his sprit.

In addition, several mishaps later that would have capsized many, made Moore a stronger and a better person. He is quick to acknowledge that his faith and determination is what brought him through many days of darkness and tears of sorrow. While going through multiple fiery furnace experiences, Moore re-embraced his calling to help others through their own deep valley and fiery experiences. Also known to many as “California” — he teaches and stands firm that “one can turn their ugly mess into positive message.”

When the Bladen County minister is not helping his teenage daughter Shayla, who has cerebral palsy, or providing counsel to his five boys who are now grown, or helping others, he can be found praying, studying the Holy Scriptures, seeking resources to help someone in need, or visiting his sick aunt in Council. He also enjoys riding to the nearby beaches, and fellowshipping with friends and followers who range in age from teenager to senior citizen.

For information about United Universal Life Church, Inc. or too make a tax-deductible contribution that will help altar lives and help build the community of Elizabethtown and Bladen County, contact Moore at 910-549-8148 or visit www.UULC.org. Through the website, you may also contact board members Crystal Jones, Crystal Banks, Kenny Lane, Shaun Jones, DeAndre Moore and Aaron Cunningham.