Rudy Wood had a love for people and a passion for Jesus Christ that spanned seven decades and several continents. Serving as pastor and interim pastor to over a dozen churches in his career, Rudy and his wife Helen ministered to and nurtured diverse congregations the world over.
Serving as missionaries in Western Europe, Rudy and Helen cultivated ministry in Luxembourg and Belgium. In recent years, the pair served as field coordinators for the Virginia Baptist partnership in Vienna, Austria. Their fifty years of co-ministry touched Berea Baptist Church, first as interim pastor and wife, then as dear members of our congregation since 2001.
Some do not realize that Rudy began his career as a teacher at Bluestone High School in Mecklenburg County where he taught Math and English. Rudy never stopped learning, as evidenced by his many personal educational accomplishments and his continued work in mission efforts.
Always aware of the value of education over degrees, Rudy encouraged lifelong learning as a tool to be a participating member of community life, especially in the setting of the gathered church. His life was guided by a desire to both teach facts and share truth.
Berea Baptist Church hosts the Rudy Wood Memorial Golf tournament each Spring to benefit this scholarship. Check our church calendar online or contact the church office for details on how you can participate.
Click here for a copy of the scholarship instructions and application:
The Virginia Baptist Foundation Scholarship Ministry
Our scholarship application this year is fully electronic. When an applicant clicks the Virginia Baptist Foundation Scholarship Ministry link above, you will be directed to the appplication page of the Virgina Baptist Foundation website. Click on "click here" and follow the instructions. You will create an account (password protected) to begin the process of filling in the various questions or fields. One of the questions is the name of the church (it's a drop down box). When you enter "Berea Baptist Church-Rockville" in the field, the VBF will know that you are applying for the Rudy Wood Scholarship. Applicants again this year must submit both financials (FAFSA or tax forms) and academic transcript.
