Praise for pastor passionate about faith

In a little more than five years, Pastor Dexter Ball has made a lasting impression on the village in which he works and lives.

Those who know Dexter Ball and his wife, Shaunna, say the couple's unwavering support and dedication to the community sets them apart from other clergy. From delivering diapers to answering their home phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Dexter and Shaunna Ball, founders of Faithwalk Harvest Center, are there to serve.

The nondenominational church started in the family's Carpentersville living room in July 2003. There were four members back then. Today, there's more than 150 members and the church occupies a large space in a Carpentersville industrial site.

In August, congregation members of the Faithwalk Harvest Center honored Dexter Ball for his dedication to helping others. He was voted Y103.9's Unsung Hero, an award bestowed upon those who have made a difference in the community.

"He and his wife both do a lot for the community and they never ask for anything in return," said Colleen Jones, a church member from Elgin who nominated Dexter Ball. "His service to the community and the church doesn't stop when the doors are closed and it doesn't just happen on Sunday morning. Those doors are always open."

Jones, who has been a member since the church started, said the couple often deliver diapers and food formula to struggling mothers, provide transportation for those who need a ride to the grocery store and operate a food pantry.

"He is a very humble man and does everything with a humble spirit," Jones said. "When I heard of the (Unsung Hero) opportunity I wanted to make sure I presented his name."

Though Dexter Ball received the award individually, he said Shaunna equally deserves recognition.

"We are kind of one. We do everything together," Dexter Ball said. "She keeps me balanced."

Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington donated $500 in Dexter Ball's name to the Boys and Girls Club of Dundee Township.

"I thought about different clubs in the area and we see a lot of children in the church who participate in the Boys and Girls club," Dexter Ball said. "I thought it was appropriate to help them along because they help about 1,000 children in the community."

Executive director of the club, Curt McReynolds, said the money would benefit a variety of programs offered to Dundee Township youths, such as providing resources to help students develop more efficient homework skills.

As for his own unsung heroes, Dexter Ball named Jesus Christ and his father,

"My father went beyond the norm of raising us," said Dexter Ball, who has three older brothers. "He worked hard and was always there for us."