By Leigh Pritchett
Correspondent, The Alabama Baptist
Danny Brooks of Deans Chapel near Henagar was a truck driver for 30 years. A vehicle accident in 2009 left him with permanent injuries. Five years ago, Brooks heard a preacher say that missions can be as simple as taking the neighbor’s garbage can to and from the roadside. Since then, Brooks has done that for as many as 16 households a week. He also uses that time to minister to elderly, sick and homebound people. Healed of alcoholism as a teen, Brooks seeks to help others know that Jesus is there to heal them too.
Ministry description: Neighborhood missions
Church name: Happy Home Baptist Church, Henagar, in Sand Mountain Baptist Association
Life verse: “But Jesus beheld them and said unto them, ‘With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.’” (Matt. 19:26)
Q: Who was or is one of the most influential people in your faith life? Why?
A: One of the biggest ones was my wife’s uncle, Elder J.C. Ball. He lived the way he preached. He would give a man the shirt off his back in a snowstorm. I was wandering, not really understanding. He was showing me how to treat people. He said to read your Bible and you will know how to treat everyone. Right now, our pastor, Brother Dustin Henshaw, does a real good job of keeping me interested and pointed in the right direction.
Q: Tell about a “turning point” in your life and how God was involved.
A: In 2009 when I had my wreck, I laid in ICU for 28 days and couldn’t speak a word. The only person or entity I could talk to was the Lord. He kept telling me to “take it easy,” “calm down,” “you’re in My hands.” That was the only way I could sleep. He helped me through all the turmoil. We had a lot of long talks about the things I had done in my life too.
Q: Have you ever read a book or heard a song that changed the way you think about God and faith? What was it and what did you learn from it?
A: There’s one song that I love to hear — “Just a Closer Walk with Thee.” It tells the way you should lead your life: walk with God; talk with Him; listen to what He tells you and everything will come out okay. You can’t do things on your own; if you do, it’ll turn out to be a mess.
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