AdventHealth Teams Serve Families and a Local Church in Kentucky Mission Project

AdventHealth recently launched a series of mission projects that made a meaningful impact on three families and a local church in Manchester, Kentucky. Following a devastating flood, the Manchester Gospel Mission church required urgent repairs, while three families in the area needed wheelchair ramps. Teams from AdventHealth—including the Surgery Team, Corporate IT Team, and Adventist nursing students from Southern Adventist University—collaborated to meet these needs.

Among those assisted were Gloria Smith, Linda Cupp, and Jerrica Mitchell, whose 4-year-old son required a ramp for his wheelchair. In addition to constructing the ramp, AdventHealth donated a temporary wheelchair for the child to use while waiting for the permanent one to arrive.

The Mitchell family expressed deep gratitude for the support provided, describing the nurses as “awesome people” who went above and beyond during a difficult time. They shared how moved they were by the quick and compassionate response of David Watson, Director of Engineering, who came promptly to assist. The family also thanked Mayor Stevie Collins and his wife, Danielle, for connecting them to AdventHealth.

The projects were part of a broader mission initiative in partnership with the SAU School of Nursing. Nursing students Rachel Hutubessy and Kristen Sobrepena documented their experience, describing the trip as eye-opening and transformative.

“We thought we knew what to expect, but nothing thoroughly prepared us for the reality of stepping into one of the most underserved communities in the U.S.,” they wrote. “Our visit to Manchester, Kentucky, was deeply eye-opening, revealing the community's challenges and resilience.”

The team was warmly received by David Watson, who oriented them to local clinics and hospital units. Over shared meals and daily collaboration, the group bonded while planning their outreach. One highlight of the trip was a free health screening event held after a Sabbath worship service. Despite rainy weather and a modest turnout, team members said the experience reinforced the importance of helping even one person in need.

On the fourth day, the team assisted the Mitchell family by building a wheelchair ramp. Despite challenges such as material shortages and battery failures, the team pressed on with determination and joy. Listening to the family’s stories of faith and resilience underscored the deeper purpose behind their service.

Saying goodbye proved more difficult than expected. Many team members reflected on how the experience changed them more than they anticipated. Rather than simply bringing change to Manchester, they found themselves transformed by the strength and spirit of the people they served.

In a separate mission project earlier in 2025, AdventHealth’s Corporate IT Team supported the Manchester Gospel Mission by replacing drywall in the church’s basement following flood damage. Pastor Tess Lipps praised their efforts, saying, “The work done by the AdventHealth team has been a beacon of hope for our community. Their dedication and compassion have truly made a difference in the lives of many.”

These mission efforts reflect AdventHealth’s ongoing commitment to extend compassion, service, and healing beyond the hospital walls—into the communities most in need.