FBC Geraldine S.W.A.T. team impacts community

After 30 years with the FBI, John David Puckett decided it was time for a different kind of SWAT team.

Puckett, now serving as senior adult pastor of First Baptist Church, Geraldine, in DeKalb Baptist Association, saw an opportunity for the church’s senior adults that he couldn’t ignore.

"It was great for the seniors to get together (and fellowship), but I noticed ministry needs that our group would be capable of meeting," Puckett said.

So five years ago, the S.W.A.T. — Seniors With a Testimony — team was born. Turning into an active ministry group overnight, the team began visiting assisted-living and nursing home facilities and ministering to widows and the homebound.

"[T]his group is a great asset to our community," said Nancy Croley, director of assisted-living facility Rose Manor of Geraldine.

"[W]e go attempting to bring a smile to the residents," said Judy Rodriguez, an active S.W.A.T. team member. "Through our ministry … (we) [hope] to inspire other churches to minister to homebound in their churches and communities."

Mel Johnson is pastor of First, Geraldine.