Don and Barbara Davis in South Africa
Serving Others
It’s amazing how one message on an answering machine can change your life. One evening a few months ago, Reverend Don Davis left a message about how much he liked my children’s books. Leaving his number, he asked if I would call him back.
When I returned his call, Don shared that he and his wife, Barbara, had written a children’s book and needed an illustrator. Having seen my last book, Tired of Being a Bully, he wondered if I thought my illustrator, Jean Barlow, might be interested in another project. I felt like she would because I knew how much she liked the process. Excited about the possibility of something new, Jean scheduled a meeting with Don and his wife, Barbara.
After that meeting, she called to tell me she had accepted the offer to illustrate Don’s children’s book, Anna’s Shoebox.
Although Don had already published four books, he had never published a children’s picture book and was unsure of the process. Needing some advice, he asked Jean if she thought I would be willing to answer some questions. Knowing I believe networking is one of the best ways to grow and develop as a writer, Jean said she knew I wouldn’t mind. A few weeks later, Don, Barbara and I met for lunch. It didn’t take long for the three of us to make a connection.
Through our conversation, I learned Don was not only a writer, but also a pastor and that he and Barbara are happiest when they are serving others. That explains why they have led numerous mission trips to India, Scotland, Romania and South Africa, making the trip to South Africa 14 times. In recent years, overseas mission work has been curtailed because of medical problems, yet that doesn’t keep them from participating in statewide mission projects.
In addition to all of these responsibilities, Don finds time to write a weekly human interest column for the Faith and Religion section of the Independent Tribune in Kannapolis and Concord. Having enough material from that column, Don published two books, Spirit Led, Spirit Fed and Spirit Touched.
Since that one message on the answering machine a few months ago, Jean has since finished illustrating Anna’s Shoebox and I have made two new friends. If you would like to find out more about Don and Barbara’s story or their ministry, check out the following Salisbury Post link:
http://www.salisburypost.com/article/20130520/SP01/130529975/0/SEARCH&slId=2
Congratulations, Don and Barbara! Because of your undying faith and willingness to serve others here and abroad, you are my favorite people of the week.
Do you know someone who goes above and beyond the call of duty in service to others? If so, I would like to hear from you. Leave a comment, message on Facebook or email me at dicysm@yahoo.com
Thanks,
Dicy
