Since 1924 the Mother’s Day Offering at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center has been a symbol of hope to patients facing serious financial stress on top of a medical crisis in their lives. To Brian Davis, Director of Community and Congregation Engagement, that symbol is especially relevant—and needed—now, as we continue dealing with the Covid-19 Coronavirus pandemic and its aftermath.
But he believes bringing hope to patients is more than just churches donating money to help pay hospital bills. It’s engaging at a deeper level and aligning with a seminal paradigm shift: community health is part of a church’s calling. “Community health ministries are an important aspect of fulfilling Jesus’s great commandment to love one another,” he said. “We encourage congregations to remain engaged post-pandemic and continue to express the message of hope and healing for all.” That They May See and Know is the theme of this year’s Offering. Walking the talk is a powerful call to action for Davis, who ministered in churches for 13 years and was Baptist State Convention Associate Executive Director for nearly 14 years. “For those who have great financial burdens, God has seen your burden, heard your cry for help, and responded through this offering.”
As the world enters year three of COVID-19, Davis noted that gifts to the Offering can provide much-needed renewal and restoration to patients overwhelmed by medical bills. “We know many have struggled with joblessness and loss of income,” he said. “So please don’t focus on the size of your gift. It’s when we put all our gifts together that we can make an enormous impact in the lives of patients and their families. Thank you for giving what you can.”
That they may see and know and consider and understand together that the hand of the Lord has done this and the Holy One of Israel has created it.
Isaiah 41:20