It has become a tradition for the New Horizons Discussion Class from First Baptist Church of Sevierville to visit Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic on occasion to bless patients by paying the nominal fee often regularly charged for their visits. In addition, the Class provides lunch for the staff and offers a gift bag containing toiletries, candy, and a Gideon New Testament among other items to patients who’d like to take one home.
This year, the project looked a little different, largely due to the concerns surrounding the COVID-19 Crisis. In addition to the lunch for staff, gift bags were given to the Clinic to distribute and fees were paid in advance to Mountain Hope to make the process as efficient and touch-free as possible. Patients were informed at the time of service that their fees had been covered.
Janice Bettis represented the Class on Tuesday as they sought to bless members of the Sevier County community, “The class was scheduled to be at the clinic on April 7th and when the ‘stay at home’ order came into effect; we quickly realized that we would not be able to do this. Class members receive such a blessing from being able to give the money and gift bags to the patients as they check out. We are aware that the people we have been able to serve at the Clinic are some of the hardest hit because businesses are closed and they have not been able to work and subsequently pay their bills. We contacted Deb Murph to ask if we could bring the money and the items to the Clinic for her staff to distribute for us. She graciously agreed. We pray that this small gesture will be an encouragement and hope to these people. Thank you Mountain Hope for allowing us to be a part of what you do,” she said.
Mountain Hope is grateful for the support of community members like these. If you would like more information on volunteering for or donating to Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic, please contact Ashley Burnette at aburnette@mountainhope.org or via cell at 865.771.9114.