The hero’s journey is where he or she leaves their ordinary world, faces challenges and trials, and ultimately returns, benefiting their community.
That sums up the life of Arthur Keys.
Born and raised in Washington, he was always a person of faith. At Bethany College, he discovered the world of faith-based humanitarianism. An early job with Homeland Ministries in New York allowed him to travel extensively, exposing him to church-based community organizing. The group brought diverse interests together to deal with national policy and international development.
“That’s where I really wanted to go,” he discovered. “The world of international development.”
He moved to Yugoslavia, writing grants for the Council of Churches. At a conference in Slovenia, he met his future wife, Jasna.
They eventually married and moved to Washington, D.C. where he consulted for international aid organizations that wanted to tap into federal money.
They founded International Relief and Development and were soon the largest recipient of USAID funds, overseeing $650 million and 6,000 employees in 40 countries. In his words, “It was more successful than we anticipated,” he admitted.
Eventually, home called him back. He and Jasna returned to Washington, buying land homesteaded by his ancestors in 1796, where they raise Hereford cattle.
Humanitarian causes still beckoned. As a board member of the Thomas Campbell Apartments, he led a $7 million rebuilding effort. He also organized Disciples of Christ clergy to support the City Mission’s new women's shelter. His life and ministry have always been committed to representing the voiceless.
He is currently the Senior Minister of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The Beau Street church had closed during COVID but reopened under his leadership, with the congregation committed to both local and worldwide missions.
“It’s the Church’s job to connect its mission, theology and faith commitments to the local community,” he said.
That includes supporting local immigrants.
“We need immigrants to keep population growing and working. It’s a positive for the county.”
He would like Washington residents to “Educate yourself on how the world is interconnected. Because Washington County products go around the world.”
Our country’s withdrawal of worldwide humanitarian aid makes him sad.
“It’s hard to comprehend. U.S government aid had two missions: humanitarian, to help people with food and development, and national security. It is in our self-interest to keep the world peaceful. Our economy and security depend on this goodwill.”
Rev. Thaddeus Allen knows Keys well: “Arthur spends every day working for causes that make life better for others.”
That’s the definition of a humanitarian.
The Washington County Community Foundation is proud to name Arthur Keys the 2025 recipient of the Louis E. Waller Humanitarian Award. Ironically, it was Waller who built both the Thomas Campbell Apartments and the First Christian Church.
“I was privileged to have a few interactions with Lou Waller. He filled the room with his presence.”
Key’s worldview remains optimistic.
“Let’s be proactive, not reactive. We need to find ways to debate about the future of our county, our country and our institutions. We need to compromise with people who may not share our political views but who also want to promote the common good.
If we work together, we can find our path to the future."