Making a difference: A heartfelt mission in Manchester

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  • Christina Couch
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Community People

Recently, our organization embarked on several global mission projects that made a significant impact on the lives of three families and a local church.

After a recent flood, the local church needed assistance, and three families required wheelchair ramps to be built.

Our surgery team, IT Corporate Team, and Adventist Nursing Students came together to lend a helping hand to Gloria Smith, Linda Cupp, and Jerrica Mitchell, whose 4-year-old son required a ramp for his wheelchair.

A heartfelt note from the Mitchell family conveyed their deep gratitude for the care and support provided to their baby boy.

In addition to building a ramp for the family, AdventHealth donated a temporary wheelchair to the baby boy to use until his wheelchair was delivered.

The Mitchell family expressed how incredibly thankful they were for everything our team had done for their family, especially their son.

They highlighted the exceptional efforts of our nurses, describing them as "awesome people" who went above and beyond to help them during a challenging time.

One moment that stood out to the family was the swift response from David Watson, director of engineering, who came out quickly to assist them.

The family was still in shock at how quickly everything happened and expressed their gratitude for the prompt and efficient support.

They also expressed gratitude to Mayor Stevie Collins and his wife, Danielle, for connecting them to AdventHealth.

This gesture of appreciation serves as a beautiful reminder of the difference we are blessed to be able to make in the lives of those in our community.

For these projects, our organization partnered with the SAU School of Nursing (Southern Adventist University) for a mission trip to Manchester, Kentucky.

The experience was documented by Rachel Hutubessy and Kristen Sobrepena, who shared their insights on the profound impact of the trip.

"We thought we knew what to expect, but nothing thoroughly prepared us for the reality of stepping into one of the most underserved communities in the U.S. Poverty is often something we associate with distant places, yet seeing it closer to home brought a powerful sense of awareness. It was a powerful wake-up call. Our visit to Manchester, Kentucky, was deeply eye-opening, revealing the community's challenges and resilience," they wrote.

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The team was warmly welcomed by David Watson, who helped them get oriented to the various clinics and hospital units.

Over shared meals and team conversations, they bonded and planned for the work ahead.

The team provided a free health screening event after spending a meaningful Sabbath at a local church.

Despite weather challenges, they made efforts to reach the community, handing out flyers to shoppers at Walmart.

AdventHealth nursing students help community

While the turnout was smaller than hoped, they were reminded that even one person helped is significant -- every small act of compassion carries the potential to change a life.

On their fourth day, the team set out to help the Mitchell family, who were in need of a wheelchair ramp for their young child.

Despite a few setbacks -- running low on materials, battery failures -- they worked together with determination and joy.

They laughed, solved problems and shared in something greater than themselves.

As they listened to the family’s stories of faith and strength, it became clear: their purpose wasn’t just to build a ramp but to bear witness to the resilience and spirit of those they came to serve.

Saying goodbye was more challenging than they ever imagined.

The team came on this trip to serve, thinking that Manchester was the one who needed change -- that they were the ones who came to make a difference. They were wrong. It was Manchester that changed them.

The people they met, the hands they held and the prayers they shared have become a part of who they are as nurses.

Extending our mission work

During another mission project in Q1 of 2025, our Corporate IT Team extended mission work to one of our local churches, Manchester Gospel Mission, pastored by Tess Lipps.

Several groups came together to remove and replace drywall from the basement of the church due to flooding.

Their efforts in supporting the church community further exemplify our commitment to making a positive impact beyond our immediate responsibilities.

Lipps said of the mission: "The work done by the AdventHealth team has been a beacon of hope for our community. Their dedication and compassion have truly made a difference in the lives of many."

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