Some folks plan to travel when they retire. Not Faye Bassett, 65, director of church and community ministries at Yates Baptist Association for the past 30 years.

She has already traveled the world -- South Africa (six or seven times), Ukraine, Malaysia and Mexico, to name a few, and all on business.

"I'm not a traveler by nature. Most of it has been done in missions," said Bassett, whose last day in the Garrett Road office is June 30.

The Yates association is composed of 71 Baptist congregations in Durham and parts of Chatham, Orange and Person counties. Several hundred representatives from those churches will gather tonight for a dinner at Hope Valley Baptist Church to celebrate Bassett's ministry.

"One of the things about Faye that has impressed me through the years is her openness to all people," said the Rev. John Saunders, the association's director of missions. "No matter what background or social status, she ministers to all people and the love of Christ comes through her to all of them."

Bassett has worked with five out of six directors at the association since it was organized in 1948, said Saunders, who has been the director for more than 13 years.

In Baptist circles, Bassett has the kind of name recognition politicians would kill for. She takes her calling seriously. "I felt called to missions when I was 11 or 12," she said.

Retirement will not bring an end to her mission work, however. "I want to do ministry here at home in the inner city."

Bassett, who usually carries a quiet and orderly demeanor, can get steamed up quickly when she starts talking about missions, churches she helped organize in South Africa, training church leaders of children in Mexico or teaching Bible school in Ukraine.

A Durham native, she grew up in Parkview Baptist Church and is a graduate of Southeastern Baptist Seminary in Wake Forest. Of course, she's not a member of the ordained Baptist clergy, but considering all the church invitations she has responded to during the past 30 years, one wonders ... has she ever preached?

"I have spoken a number of times," she said with good humor in her voice. "And when I speak, I talk about missions. Speaking is not something I relish, because I am a doer. I like to be involved on the mission field."

Looking back over her career, Bassett said her most affirming memory is how much the Yates association has grown in ministry and missions.

"An exciting part of this has been the diversity we now have. People from all over the world are coming to live here. I enjoy working with the different language groups. We have Hispanics, Chinese and Korean [congregations], and a Japanese Bible study. Also a ministry to refugees from Burma."

Shedding a few tears has been part of Bassett's buildup to retirement, she said this week.

"It will be like going off and leaving my family, but at the same time, I am looking forward to new opportunities. I know God still has work for me to do."

Church takes up the cause of healthy eating

Barriers that keep people from eating fresh, healthy, local food and tips on overcoming those obstacles will be the subject of a workshop titled "Faithful Eating for All People."

The event is set for June 14 at 10 a.m. in Asbury Temple United Methodist, 201 S. Alston Ave.

All are invited to attend, share stories and ideas, and join the church for a community meal. To register, call Claire Hermann at (919) 542-1396.

The workshop is sponsored by Come to the Table, a project of the N.C. Council of Churches, with support from the Duke Endowment.

Conference focuses on issues affecting youths

A conference for children and youth called "ALIVE" (Always Living In Victory and Excellence) is scheduled for Friday, June 6, through Sunday, June 8, at Holland Chapel AME Zion Church in Apex.

Friday night, the speaker will be the Rev. David Williams, director of the church's youth ministry. Sessions on Saturday will deal with sex, drugs, profanity and gangs. Boys will be led by the Rev. James Davis. The Rev. Anissa Little will lead the girls.

Another session, led by the Rev. and Mrs. Willie McCrimmon Jr., will deal with tattoos, body piercings, anklets and provocative dress. All sessions are planned for youth from 13 to 21 years of age.

A cookout is also planned and will include a drama about four adolescents facing different issues such as depression, troubled relationships and violence.

On Sunday, Dr. Jace L. Cox, pastor, will preach at 11 a.m. The O.M. Brown Youth Choir and the Holland Chapel Children's Choir will sing.

Late registration will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday and will be followed by early-morning praise at 9:30 a.m., with music by the Durham District Youth Choir. The registration fee is $10 and includes lunch and access to all sessions. Early registration by mailing a check payable to Holland Chapel AME Zion Church is recommended. The church address is 360 Burgess Road, Apex NC 27523.