In a heartwarming revelation during Christmas Eve services, Pastor Joel Southerland of Peavine Baptist Church shared the results of a months-long “Christmas Project” kept secret from the congregation. The surprise? Their collective generosity had eliminated $5.7 million in medical debt for 4,280 individuals across northwest Georgia and Chattanooga, Tennessee.
“Medical debt is the number one cause of consumer bankruptcy in the United States,” Southerland explained to the crowd. “It can devastate families, affecting everything from credit scores to job opportunities.”
The initiative was made possible through a partnership with RIP Medical Debt, a nonprofit that buys medical debt from hospitals at pennies on the dollar, erasing it for individuals in need. The Peavine congregation raised $24,879.65, which translated into debt relief for thousands within a 20-mile radius of the church, an area referred to as “Peavine City.”
A Legacy of Generosity
Southerland, celebrating eight years as Peavine’s pastor, emphasized that the church has a long history of outreach and service projects. “The church trusts us to lead initiatives like this because we’ve done it regularly,” he said.
This Christmas season, Peavine raised nearly $80,000, with funds supporting not only medical debt relief but also local foster care programs, food banks, and a crisis pregnancy center. A Christmas concert by the church’s praise team contributed an additional $10,000.
Life-Changing Impact
Beneficiaries of the medical debt relief received cards from RIP Medical Debt, informing them their balances had been paid in full by Peavine. Along with the card, recipients were directed to a video where Pastor Southerland shared the church’s motivation and presented a message of hope through the Gospel.
One story highlighted a couple burdened with $15,000 in medical debt after multiple surgeries. “They were working multiple jobs just to make ends meet,” Southerland shared. “Now, they can focus on their health and well-being instead of crippling bills.”
A Broader Mission
Peavine’s Christmas Project is part of a larger mission to serve its community. Past initiatives included gifting a car to a young schoolteacher, supporting foster children with $600 shopping sprees, and donating over $6,000 to Dade County’s Department of Family and Children Services for Christmas gifts.
“This project isn’t just about numbers,” said Executive Pastor Daniel Currie. “It’s about people – families who can now breathe easier and focus on their future. We’re grateful to be part of a church that serves others in such a tangible, life-changing way.”
“Our goal was to embody the spirit of Christmas by giving hope to those who need it most,” added Southerland. “I’m so proud of how our congregation responded with love and generosity.”
Peavine’s efforts have inspired gratitude and praise throughout the region, with recipients and community members sharing their stories and expressing appreciation. As Southerland concluded, “This was an opportunity for our church family to be the hands and feet of Jesus, and I believe we truly made an eternal impact.”
Reference News :- Georgia church gives nearly $25K to erase more than $5.7M in medical debt
