After many painful nights due to dental problems, and having many repeated dental visits for extractions as a young child, the pain began to move to the front of my mouth. Although my smile was silenced, I just wanted to be found faithful in the eyesight of the Lord. I stopped speaking in public and began to wave instead because I was too ashamed to smile. I removed myself from the church choir and usher board to the pews. I quit speaking up or asking questions in Sunday school, Missions or Bible Study. I really needed help.
After much prayer and just seeking God’s will for my life, my prayers were answered when Ms. Velma told me about the Optometry class offered through H.I.S. BridgeBuilders. I inquired about the class, but just wasn’t really interested. Then, Hurricane Katrina surprised America and I found myself volunteering at Reunion Arena working with people that were displaced from their glasses. So many eyeglasses were donated from everywhere; there were many eye care professionals around. I found myself in a place where I was needed without a smile. I was so excited that I went back three days until the program ended. I even wore medical scrubs one day.
Then, I went back to inquire about the training class. The class had already started, so I waited for the next class. I could not pass the math test required for entering the class. After two failed attempts, I went to the math lab where I met Kimberly Askew and side-by-side she refreshed my memory of high school math. It was time to take the test again for the April class. I remembered the first scripture my mother taught me was Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me.” I passed the test and was accepted into the class.
One day while in class, Sharon Emmert noticed my silenced smile and offered the BridgeBuilders Dental Clinic. By graduation on June 12th, my partial teeth were not far from being ready. Tim Elenski, the training instructor, brought the Katrina experience and the optical experience together.
Thank you to BridgeBuilders for your precious attitude that exhibits the awesome qualities of the “fruit of the spirit.” You have been giving, caring, loving and nurturing and I thank you very much. I love you and thank each of you individually for loving God first and sharing his love with others. I thank you for loving Turner Courts and for all that you do, large or small. Nothing has gone unnoticed. Your thoughtfulness is truly encouraging to me.

Yours in Christ,
Cassandra Phillips