Proverbs 27:17 (New Living Translation) “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend…”

Once a month (or as often as possible) Patrick Underwood, Parent Advocacy Liaison for the BOE, Chris Stacy Georgia Coastal Youth CEO, Rev Eric Hollis CEO Bridging the Gap, and myself CEO Seven Ministries of Liberty County, Inc. meet as friends, brothers, community leaders, and concerned citizens to put our hearts and minds together to discuss issues and needs for our community.  

We call this group Men of Valor and while we’re smart enough to know that we can’t change the world, we’re brave enough to do what we can by using our God-given talents toward that mission.  

After an impromptu meeting with Lewis Frasier Middle School Principal Jermaine Williams we decided to do something for the faculty. Several community organizations host Back to School rallies for students, but our question was, what can we do for the teachers?  It became apparent that there is a need for printing paper and snacks for these heroes during their after-school meetings.  

I refer to them as heroes because that’s exactly what they are.  

When you consider the amount of time a child spends getting ready for school, in school, preparing for school the next day, and the number of hours’ teachers spend with that child and the impact on their lives, it stands to reason that these people are special and we wanted to recognize them for all they do.  Printing paper and Snickers may not amount to much for some and it may only be a drop in the bucket for most, but standing in that room, seeing the smiles on their faces, and listening to their applause I know they were grateful.

Galatians 5:22-23 “List the things that are of the Spirit and it says that against these things there is no law.” 

Men of Valor will continue to work for the betterment of our community and above all, we will continue to vow to do what’s good and decent.

God Bless,

Gary Gilliard

President/CEO

Seven Ministries