Dr. Hunt presents David and Becky Gates with the "Elvie Swinson Nursing Alumni of the Year Award"

Dr. Hunt informed the group present that SAU's Nursing Department is beginning a new curriculum next year, focused on community service and disease prevention. In view of this new emphasis in nursing trends, the Department selected the names of David and Becky Gates to be recipients of this year's award. He stated that the work they have performed in their medical mission work in Guyana represented the proactive involvement in community based nursing that the University desired all of its graduates to model.

David and Becky display new award

Prior to presenting the award, Hunt listed their academic accomplishments, but correctly focused on their medical/educational/development work being done in Guyana. Some of the areas he mentioned were community health education, emergency health treatment, aviation medivac services, community development projects with ADRA, and the use of TV broadcasting as a method of health education outreach.

In their response, the Gates mentioned their happiness at seeing SAU directing their new focus on community based nursing. Though feeling unworthy of such an honor, the Gates reminded everyone that time was short, and called on their colleagues to proactively seek to reach the world's needy with God's love by total dependence on Him for the energy, skills, and resources. They gave examples of how God is not only able but willing to provide as we move forward by faith.

Encouraged by their experiences, many of those present stayed back to talk to David and Becky after the service to offer their encouragement. Some offered their services as overseas volunteers. May God bless and encourage many more to reach out with God's love to a dying world.

You may send E-mail to David and Becky Gates at: gates@andrews.edu or GAMAS@solutions2000.net

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