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10 THE BUZZ AROUND WAYNE COUNTY MAY 2026 Serving Those Who Serve… and the Families Who Carry Them By Kriquette Davis When we think about service to our country, we often picture the uniform. But God has reminded me time and again—there is a whole family serving behind that uniform. Right here in our community, the families at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base are living that calling every day. They carry the weight of deployments, long nights, missed milestones, and quiet prayers for protection. They are holding it all together while trusting God to cover the ones they love. Scripture calls us to "love your neighbor as yourself," and I can't think of a clearer opportu- nity than this. We may not be called to wear the uniform, but we are absolutely called to show up—with compassion, generosity, and grace. That's what Operation Love in Action is all about—being intentional, being present, and putting our faith into motion. Sometimes it's a meal. A note. A simple act of kindness. Sometimes it's supporting efforts that wrap around these families and remind them they are seen, valued, and not alone. Galatians 6:2 tells us to "carry each other's bur- dens," and what a privilege it is to do just that. Military families embody sacrifice, resilience, and faith in action. Let's be the hands and feet of Jesus right here at home—loving them well and walking along- side them. Because when we care for them, we honor their service and reflect His. Stop Moving on Autopilot! By Cindi Pate So many people are living on repeat— same habits, same thoughts, same pat- terns—and wondering why nothing changes. But, your life doesn't shift by accident. It shifts by intention. One decision. One moment of aware- ness. One choice to do something different than you did yesterday. That's where every- thing begins. You don't have to overhaul your entire life overnight. You just have to take one intentional step toward your health, your peace, your purpose, your calling. Because one step leads to another...and before you know it, you're no longer stuck—you're becoming. Autopilot keeps you comfortable. But intention? That's what changes your direction. So today, pause. Get present. Ask yourself: "What's one in- tentional step I can take right now?" Then take it. Your future isn't waiting on perfect timing—it's waiting on your decision! HEARING GOD IN THE HARMONY By Ryan Lane I recently had the opportunity to attend a community sing with six other churches in Fremont, NC, and I was struck by how beautiful the music was. Each church had the opportu- nity to sing for everyone, so one choir would finish, and another would step in. Different voices, different styles, yet all blending together in powerful worship. As I look back, it makes me think about how God reveals Himself to us—not always in one single way, but through a harmony of experiences that point us to Him. It is clear to me that God reveals Himself in many ways, and here are seven ways I see Him. First, through creation—the sky, the trees, the beauty around us—His majesty is dis- played. Second, through our conscience, that quiet nudge toward doing what is right. Third, through Scripture, where His truth is written. Fourth, through Jesus Christ, who shows us exactly what God is like. Fifth, through the Holy Spirit, guiding and teaching us daily within all believers. Sixth, through His works—those moments where His hand is evident in our lives. And seventh, through people, their acts of kindness, love, and faith lived out in His name. Just like the chorus of voices I heard at the community sing, each of these reveals a part of who God is, but together they create something far more beautiful and complete. Take a moment and ask yourself, how is God revealing Himself to you today? GIVE HONOR By Clara Barnes Costner We remember and honor All veterans who died Honor the families, loved ones Imagine the tears in their eyes We thank you for battles fought To protect us all, our homeland We honor you for your service For taking care of your fellow man We honor our dear mothers For love she effortlessly shared Always our biggest supporters With words of wisdom and prayers We praise God for the waves on shore They break, wind stirs, a salty breeze Refreshing and renewing our thoughts Somehow putting our minds at ease We honor God, our Heavenly Father Give glory to his holy name Even for the rainbow that appears After a storm and heavy rain We forever honor and praise him For the songs baby bluebirds sing For blooming of the dogwood trees For the beauty each season brings "But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord." 2nd Corinthians 10:17 KJV Funds for this project supplied by the ACWC's Grassroots Subgrant Program This project was supported by the North Carolina Arts Council a division of the Department of Cultural Resources OF WAYNE CO. III CENTURY SINGERS Sun - May 17 3:00 pm First Baptist Church 117 S. John St. Goldsboro, NC tues - May 19 7:00 pm First Baptist Church 300 N. Chestnut St. Mt. Olive, NC FREE CONCERT Donations Appreciated! 1976 2026 Adonis Smith, a Wayne County native returns to the area as Manager of the Del- marva Shorebirds, the Single-A Affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. Smith, an Eastern Wayne graduate, played infielder in Division I baseball for NC State and North Carolina A&T. At A&T, he earned All-MEAC honors and finished 10th in the nation with 49 stolen bases! Adonis is making big moves within the Baltimore Orioles organization. After a successful 2025 season as a Development Coach for the Aberdeen IronBirds, he's taking the helm at Delmarva for the 2026 season—his first managerial role at a full-season affiliate The Shorebirds will be playing 6 games in Wilson against the new Wilson Warbirds starting May 19-24! Let's support one of our own! Baseball standout now with the Orioles organization Goldsboro Chapter Earns Top Honors at Regional Conference The Goldsboro Chapter of Continental Societ- ies, Inc.® has once again distinguished itself by being named Outstanding Chapter for the third consecutive year at the 2026 Mid-Atlantic Conference in Springfield, Virginia. Competing among 16 chapters in the region, the Goldsboro Chapter continues to set a standard of excellence in service and community impact. Founded in 1956, Continental Societies, Inc.® is a nonprofit international organization committed to serving underserved children through five key focus areas: Health, Education, Employment, Recreation, and Arts & Humanities. This year, the Goldsboro Chapter received top recognition for its outstanding Education program report, highlighting its dedication to youth development and academic support. Chapter members were also honored individually for their service and commitment. Dr. Sharon Richardson received the Unsung Sister Award, while Bernice Simmons and Dr. Yolanda Farmer were recognized with 5-Year Service Awards. Comatha B. Johnson was celebrated for her remarkable Fifty-Year Uninterrupted Service. Additionally, the chapter earned the Highest Attendance Award for a Small Chapter in the Mid-Atlantic Region. Led by President Dr. Cheryl Richardson, the Goldsboro Chapter remains focused on uplifting children and strengthening the community through impactful service. Submitted by CS Traci Sutton: Goldsboro Chap- ter's Public Relations Officer

