MACA students fulfill 'Dream'

Submitted photo Mr. Spivey, with twin daughters Polly and Peggy Smith, enjoys cake at a reception held in his honor.

Students at Mountain Area Christian Academy recently completed a Second Wind Dream for Mr. Roscoe Spivey of the Union County Nursing Home. Second Wind Dreams is a non-profit organization that honors older residents of the community. The students were part of a Servanthood Class at the school. Those students were: Danielle Graham, Stewart Harbin, Kyle Huneycutt, Aaron Matthews, Kelly Perry, Bekah Simonds, and Sasha Watson.

Mr. Spivey is ninety-six years old and lived most of his life in Hayesville, Clay County, North Carolina. Known for his preaching of the gospel, Reverend Spivey is the father of five children, fifteen grandchildren, and many great-grand hildren. Those children are: Carl Spivey, Joann Ramsey, David Spivey, Polly Smith, and Peggy Legg.

After interviewing Mr. Spivey, the seven students from MACA made the decision to publish a book on his life. The book would include sections on biographical information, his childhood memories, revivals, memories from his children, and memories from friends.

Submitted photo Left to right: Sasha Watson, Danielle Graham, Jane Teasley (teacher), Rebekah Simonds, Kelly Perry, and Aaron Matthews.

For three months, during their Servanthood class, the students worked diligently on gathering information, photos, and writing and rewriting the eight sections. Two students, Kyle Huneycutt and Kelly Perry, also did original artwork for the book. After the written material was completed and typed, the students then began to investigate methods of publishing the book. The students made the decision to complete the process totally in house. Because the students wanted to provide copies to the children, grandchildren, and friends, the total number of copies needed to be 30.

The final preparation needed was the planning and execution of the reception for Mr. Spivey, where the students would celebrate Mr. Spivey's life as well as present the book to him and his family. Printed invitations were sent to family and friends; the cake was ordered; and the program was designed and printed by the students.

The day of the reception, May 26, dawned sunny, and the students arrived early to set up for the two o'clock reception. When the time arrived, many family and friends came to Union County Nursing Home to celebrate. Fifty to seventy five people were on hand to share in this very special day.

The students were the first to share with Mr. Spivey how special this project had been to each of them. Then family and friends shared important memories that they held. At the end, friends joined Reverend Spivey in singing old hymns and reminiscing about revivals and meetings in the past.

The letter to Mr. Spivey from the students sums up how this man has impacted and continues to impact those with whom he comes in contact. The letter says: "When we began this project, we had no idea how blessed we would be by getting to know you. We learned many things we did not know before. Many of us had never heard about "planting by the signs" or of burying cabbage to preserve it during the winter. We enjoyed learning about your political views, about life on the farm, and some of your favorite memories.

From our interview we quickly realized how much you love the Lord and serve Him daily. Since you were ordained, your life has been a living example of how all Christians should live. You had a great impact on the lives of everyone who crossed paths with you. Even by just saying, 'Hey, neighbor, are you still saved?', you greatly influenced them. You are truly a man of God. It has been a great privilege to get to know a man of God like you."