Submitted by: Dave Smith
Since Dave Smith’s retirement as chaplain from AdventHealth Gordon, he and his wife, Cheryl, have wanted to offer spiritual support to their neighbors in Greystone-Ashley Terrace subdivision in Calhoun, Ga. Reading how even secular minds are considering prayer during the COVID-19 pandemic, the couple ordered a postal carrier’s list, stamps, refrigerator magnets, and envelopes for 146 neighbor residences.
Their note expressed regret that they couldn’t personally visit each family due to general fear of viral infection. Instead, their message promised they would pray for specific needs phoned, texted, or emailed back to their contact info on the refrigerator magnet.
The notes arrived in mail boxes April 29 and responses were immediate: “This brought tears. So very heartwarming!” “Glad to know you guys are my praying neighbors.” “Thank you so much for your encouraging note.” “My son was in ICU at AdventHealth Gordon.You … prayed with us many times … then and now much appreciated.”
One couple so effusively loved the outreach that Dave Smith invited them to join the New Beginnings Discipleship Class. They have since attended via Zoom three times. Once, the link to class failed, and the Smiths offered to make up the study with them online.
Smith has mapped the neighborhood to match names with locations. Gifts have been sent to graduates identified by lawn signs. When it’s considered safe, they walk streets for casual visits and prayers. At year-end they look forward to Christmas caroling. Only the Lord knows what He’ll accomplish but they’re “having a ball waiting to see!”
Georgia-Cumberland | July 2020
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