ROCK SPRING, Ga. — In a heartwarming act of generosity and compassion, Peavine Baptist Church has announced that it has partnered with Undue Medical Debt to erase more than $5.7 million in medical debt for over 4,200 individuals in the Georgia counties of Catoosa, Walker, and Whitfield. This initiative was part of a special Christmas project that aimed to bring hope and relief to families burdened by medical debt.
The effort, made possible through direct contributions from the Peavine Baptist Church congregation, reflects the church's ongoing commitment to serve and uplift the local community. Lead Pastor Joel Southerland inspired the congregation to give to a "Christmas Project" without revealing the specific nature of the initiative. The full impact of their generosity was unveiled during the church’s Christmas Eve services, which drew over 2,500 attendees. Congregants learned that their contributions had provided substantial financial relief for thousands of their neighbors.
“Our goal was to embody the spirit of Christmas by giving hope to those who need it most,” said Pastor Southerland. “This project was a chance for our church family to be the hands and feet of Jesus, and I am so proud of how our congregation responded with love and generosity.”
This outreach initiative stands as a testament to the power of faith-driven community action. By partnering with Undue Medical Debt, Peavine Baptist Church was able to maximize the impact of every dollar contributed, resulting in significant financial relief for families across the three counties where the church maintains a presence through its multiple campuses.
“This project isn’t just about numbers. It’s about people—families who can now breathe a little easier and focus on their health and well-being instead of medical bills,” said Executive Pastor Daniel Currie. “We’re grateful to be part of a church that believes in serving others in such a tangible, life-changing way.”
Peavine Baptist Church continues to lead in community service and outreach, living out its mission to reach every person in Peavine City with the Gospel. By focusing on being city-focused, Sunday-focused, and Gospel-focused, the church aims to impact the 497,000 people within a 20-mile radius (Peavine City) of its Rock Spring campus. This Christmas project exemplifies how Peavine’s mission translates into real-life change for its community.