By LIZ NOGOWSKI

Southwest Georgia Farm Credit

Monday was a good day for the Rev. Adren Bivens of the Laymen Brotherhood Second Chance Outreach Center.

You see, the van he worked so hard to purchase a few years back for his ministry is guzzling oil, and with about 175,000 miles on it, had seen better days.

But there was an angel looking out for him.

Linda Gambrell, a 27-year employee of Southwest Georgia Farm Credit who manages the Association’s Human Resources Department, was in the process of purchasing a new van for the company when the idea hit her. Instead of selling the older company van, donate it to a good cause. And Rev. Bivens was the first person who came to mind.

“We know Rev. Bivens is making a difference in the lives of young people in our community,” Mrs. Gambrell said. “And we know that he’ll put the van to good use. I’m so glad this all worked out.”

The Laymen Brotherhood Second Chance Outreach Center is an organization based in Decatur County, Ga., that focuses on mentoring young men toward achieving success. For those who may have found themselves with disciplinary issues, Rev. Bivens’ ministry offers a home, love and leadership to get them back on track.

The keys to the 2002 Chrysler Town and Country minivan were handed over by Duane Watson, a relationship manager at Farm Credit.

“There is no doubt that Rev. Bivens’ goal is to make an impact here,” Watson said. “This is just our small way of helping him do that.”

Rev. Bivens said the van will be used to transport young adults to community events and service projects, church and educational camps.

“Our community has always supported our mission to help young adults find the right path,” Rev. Bivens said. “This is just another example of the care and love our community shows us every day.”