By Tammy Lovell Stone
From left, Charlie Stone, Pastor Kenny Stone, and Gabe Stone of Calvary Bible Church in Lyles, prepare catfish plates for people during a fundraiser at the church.
In a day and age when schedules are too full and time seems too short it can be easy to ignore the things that really matter. But that didn’t stop the members of the Alpha Baptist Association from showing their support for our family — the Stone family. When the association learned that one of their ministry families was enduring financial hardship they eagerly lent a hand. And what would follow was nothing short of God’s mighty hand at work. Subsequently there was an outpouring from the community to encourage and uplift one of their own.
A fish fry was held May 13 to help offset the medical expenses incurred by our family. My husband Kenny Stone (pastor) and I minister through Calvary Bible Church in Lyles, a church served by the Alpha Baptist Association. Our youngest son, Gabe, was diagnosed with scoliosis four years ago. He is currently undergoing treatment with a doctor near Orlando, Fla.
The festivities were led by James Parham, Alpha’s new director of missions. Ruth Rodenberg, Alpha’s ministry assistant, also worked tirelessly to organize and promote the gathering. Phone calls were made, people were encouraged, and supplies were purchased on faith that God would send the people.
Tartar sauce and hush puppies were prepared as bottles of water and soda were put on ice for the hungry folks that would arrive. Plenty of cooks endured the hot steam of fryers and a line was already forming half an hour before the event was scheduled to begin.
A sweet spirit of unity was formed as members of various churches both large and small worked together to make this event a success. Many individuals traveled as far as 60 miles to attend the fundraiser and support us. It is estimated that well over 100 people attended the event and raised $3,100.
The Word of God says we should be unified as one body for the cause of Christ. We saw that lived out as people sacrificed their time, talent, and resources to make this event possible. We truly, only have to love one another, step out in faith and allow God to work. He is amazing.
At the time of this writing financial donations were still coming in. Enough money was raised to completely pay for Gabe’s therapy scheduled for late June. Our family feels blessed and encouraged by their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who assisted us in our time of need.
