Batesville First UMC

Batesville, MS- While the coronavirus pandemic has kept many confined to home, there are plenty of wild places that still call to people. Recently Chris Smith and his “adventure junkie” friend Justin Unruh felt a local experience for a cause was needed. This adventure would not only settle their wanderlust, but give back to the community. Paddle for Panola will take place on Wednesday, April 22. Chris and Justin have plotted an over 100-mile canoe trip, hopefully from Sardis Lake to Greenwood via the Tallahatchie River. The two are inviting people to sponsor them on a per mile basis with all of the proceeds going to The Grace Place, Inc. The Grace Place is a needs-based ministry in Batesville that daily serves the homeless, the elderly, and children in the surrounding area. 

 

Chris Smith is a member of Batesville First United Methodist Church along with his wife, Jessica, and children, Logan, Ava, and Davis. Chris said, “As with all communities across our state some of our non-profits are really starting to feel the squeeze on their budgets. ‘Service Above Self’ is a quote I often use-something we say together at the end of every Rotary meeting.” This trip gives Chris the opportunity to exhibit that value which is very much in line with Jesus’s life and teaching. 

 

What a wonderful way to celebrate Jesus’s resurrection, by giving one’s self in a way that is representative of Christ’s self-sacrificial love! While Christians may be “social distancing” we still have the opportunity to serve in God’s Kingdom alongside one another.

 

You can check out Paddle for Panola’s page on Facebook for more information and follow them on their trip. There are also links for PayPal and Venmo. Donations may also be mailed or dropped off at the following addresses and locations if paying by check:

 

 

Please note your donation as “Paddle for Panola”