The Coshocton County Beacon April 10, 2025 | Page 15

April 10, 2025 The Beacon • 15

Faith, prayer and God’ s mercy can offer daily protection

By Marianne Austin The Beacon

Renewing one’ s faith is an ongoing journey that requires some effort. At times one may not feel close to God, but it’ s important to know God’ s presence isn’ t always intense emotions or spiritual highs. Rather, it is a constant and comforting assurance he exists in your life.

Amy Casey recently encountered a life-threatening experience while traveling to West Virginia to support a friend who was facing surgery. Casey lives in Fresno and attends the Anchor Church in Coshocton.

“ There are times when there’ s no explanation as to why we are spared or healed other than realizing

Marianne Austin

Amy Casey hopes her story of faith and prayer will inspire others.

it was the Lord who protected or healed us,” Casey said.“ A few months ago, I was in such a situation. I was headed on a six-hour drive to stay with and help my longtime friend who lives in the mountains of West Virginia while she had surgery. As I was somewhat apprehensive of making the long drive alone, I texted our pastor and the ladies in our church group to ask them to pray for my safety, and I know they covered me with prayer.”

As she neared Morgantown, West Virginia on U. S. 79, there were signs warning of roadwork and to be prepared to stop.

“ As the line of traffic came to a complete stop for a major bridge repair, I saw in my rearview mirror a large black SUV careening uncontrollably down the highway directly behind me,” Casey said.“ The vehicle was obviously unable to slow down, and I was the last car in the line. It looked like it would

Don’ t throw it away, bring it to Coshocton Baptist Church

By Jen Jones The Beacon

Austin Cleator helps with a quarterly event in Mount Vernon called Repair Café. It offers repairs to appliances to people in the community. Several weeks ago Coshocton Baptist Church on Denman Avenue held its own event.

“ Repairs, Cookies and Coffee gives anyone in the community the chance to bring broken household items and appliances to the church, where a team of volunteers works on the items and gets them back to working, if possible,” Cleator said.“ It’ s a great way to help those who may have something they really need around the house that is broken but it would be a financial burden to get new or have repaired at a shop.”

Cleator is one of the organizers of the event, along with the pastors and other members of the church.

Submitted

Repairs, Cookies and Coffee gives anyone in the community the chance to bring broken household items and appliances to be worked on at Coshocton Baptist Church on Denman Avenue.

“ I brought the idea of doing a similar event to the one I had volunteered at to the church leadership, and they were excited to start this event as a way to serve the community of Coshocton,” he said.

Each workshop is free, but donations are accepted.

“ We had a great first event and really enjoyed meeting people from the community. We got to work on things like vacuum cleaners, a clock, a record player and microwave. We are looking forward to more events,” Cleator said.

The next Repairs, Cookies and Coffee will be Saturday, April 12 from 1-4 p. m. at the church, with another one planned Saturday, May 10. The community can drop off items and will be called when the item is finished, or attendees are welcome to sit and visit while they wait. No appointments are necessary.

surely ram into the back of my car, and the only thing I could do was to cry out to Jesus to protect me.”

As the SUV came barreling down the hill, Casey saw it clip the front of a semi and saw parts flying off it.

“ Miraculously, as it neared me, the driver must have gained enough control to steer it slightly to the

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left,” she said.“ It passed close to my car and then went airborne and flipped and crash-landed on its roof in the median of the highway. It was definitely frightening, and I don’ t know how or if anyone in the vehicle survived. I also heard and felt debris hit the side of my car. Traffic started moving again, and once I was able to safely pull off the road, I got out to check for damage and wasn’ t able to find a scratch on my car. I know it was prayer and God’ s mercy that protected me that day, as I’ m sure he has protected all of us so often. He is there for us at the mere mention of his name.”

Casey grew up in

See CASEY on 17

Join Us This Easter Weekend

Easter Prayer Walk Wednesday, April 16 & Thursday, April 17 10 am to 8 pm Friday, April 18 10 am to 4 pm

Everyone is Welcome!

Easter Morning Celebration

10:45AM ON SUNDAY, APRIL 20TH Join us for a celebration of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! It will be an upbeat service for the entire family.

Regular Sunday Services are at 10:45AM Youth Group on Wednesdays at 6:00 PM Cosh Naz Kids on Wednesdays at 6:00 PM

Helping People Take Their Next Step Of Faith With Christ.

Pastor: Andrew Bird

1058 Orange St. • Coshocton • 740-622-1912 • www. CoshNaz. org