James Scarborough, pastor of the Assembly of God Church in Donalsonville, Ga., was the featured speaker at Friday night’s Decatur County Unit of the American Cancer Society’s cancer survivors’ dinner, where he shared his personal survival story with other survivors.

Scarborough opened his comments at the Bainbridge First United Methodist Church’s J.O. Smith Activities Building by talking about the impact of the disease on individuals and their families.

“It doesn’t matter how big or how important you are,” he said. “Cancer can strike. Seven years ago when I was 46 years old I was  diagnosed with prostate cancer.

“I had been to hospitals to visit cancer patients and others who were sick many times, but it was the first time I had been on that side of the bed in the hospital.

“People in those circumstances need compassion and the Lord’s healing hand.”

Special guests Friday night were members of the Ward family, as the banquet was dedicated to cancer survivor Brad Ward, who was in attendance, and his sister Sandi Ward Williams, who was unable to attend, but was represented by her son Trae Smith.

Prior to the minister’s address, many inspiring gospel songs were sung by individuals and groups.

Chealsea Cromer, community manager for the American Cancer Society’s South Atlantic Division in Albany, Ga., and dinner chairman Richard Hughes reminded the honorees that the local Cancer Society’s Relay For Life will be Friday, April 20, at the Bainbridge Middle School Track, and that the survivors’ walk will begin at 6 p.m.

The night ended with the presentation of door prizes to all the cancer survivors.