Saving Lives Holds Fourth Annual Banquet, Inducts 5 Churches into Network

By Peter Mullins, CCBP Student Assistant
Photos by Fuyan Zhang, CCBP Student Assistant

The Tuscaloosa Saving Lives network of churches reflected on achievements during the past year and inducted five new churches into the network during its fourth annual banquet on December 3, 2015 in the Rast Room of the Bryant Conference Center.

Veteran Saving Lives faculty leaders, Dr. Martha R. Crowther, professor and director of UA’s clinical psychology program, and Dr. Rebecca Kelly, clinical assistant professor of kinesiology and director of the Office of Health Preparedness, welcomed attendees and provided opening remarks, offering congratulations on the achievements and additions to the network since the 2014 banquet.

All seven churches in the network and a number of university offices and departments were represented at the well-attended banquet.

Ms. Carol Agomo, director of community and administrative affairs in the Division of Community Affairs and program director of Saving Lives, presided over the induction of the following churches into the network: Benville Missionary Baptist Church, Hightown Church of God, Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church, New Zion Missionary Baptist Church and Saint John Baptist Church. These churches join the previously inducted College Hill Baptist, First African Baptist and Plum Grove Baptist.

A number of representatives reflected on the program’s progress during 2015. They included Mrs. Portia Jones, Mrs. Georgia White, Mrs. Sheila Lee, Mrs. Phyllis Rogers, and Mrs. Coleen Ferguson.

Saving Lives is a health literacy program that combines the knowledge and experience of university researchers with that of community partners to develop a process that builds communication, trust and capacity. The ultimate goal is to improve and sustain healthy living by all participants in ways that relate to their faith. University researchers and practitioners work closely with pastoral leaders to promote spiritual, physical and emotional well-being.

“Since 2012, we have sought to build on the power of God in speaking to physical and spiritual health,” Agomo said. “The Saving Lives Network of churches has demonstrated a commitment toward emphasizing the role of faith and community in Saving Lives. Our goal is to continue to support participating churches in advocating for healthier families and communities through faith.”

Dr. Rebecca Kelly, Office of Health Preparedness and member of Saving Lives Advisory Group, delivers opening remarks at annual banquet.
Dr. Rebecca Kelly, Office of Health Preparedness and member of Saving Lives Advisory Group, delivers opening remarks at annual banquet.

Dr. Martha Crowther welcomes Saving Lives banquet attendees.
Dr. Martha Crowther welcomes Saving Lives banquet attendees.

From left, Ms. Carol Agomo, Mr. Chris Spencer and Mrs. Coleen Ferguson, first lady of St. John Baptist Church, Tuscaloosa, pause for a photo at the third annual Saving Lives Banquet.
From left, Ms. Carol Agomo, Mr. Chris Spencer and Mrs. Coleen Ferguson, first lady of St. John Baptist Church, Tuscaloosa, pause for a photo at the third annual Saving Lives Banquet.
Benville Baptist Church pastor Rev. Simon Hunter (third from left) and (from left) SLI advocates Ms. Portia Jones, Ms. Ava Travis, and Ms. Annette Harris are inducted into the Saving Lives network after a year in the program. Plum Grove Baptist Church’s Rev. Antonio Gardner (third from right), and Rev. Richard L. Morgan (First African Baptist Church) join the induction as pastors of the original set of churches inducted into the network. At far right is Ms. Carol Agomo, Saving Lives program coordinator.
Benville Baptist Church pastor Rev. Simon Hunter (third from left) and (from left) SLI advocates Ms. Portia Jones, Ms. Ava Travis, and Ms. Annette Harris are inducted into the Saving Lives network after a year in the program. Plum Grove Baptist Church’s Rev. Antonio Gardner (third from right), and Rev. Richard L. Morgan (First African Baptist Church) join the induction as pastors of the original set of churches inducted into the network. At far right is Ms. Carol Agomo, Saving Lives program coordinator.