Pastor Scott Parrish

Gò0dNews Ministry Spotlight

Pastor Scott Parrish

by David Thompson

“Ipress toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). What would you do if your calling were taken from you?

For over 25 years, Pastor Scott Parrish of Emmaus Church has diligently followed his calling from the Lord, a call to minister and lead others to Christ. Then, five years ago, he and his wife Tammy found out that he had non-alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver, a condition where healthy, living tissue is replaced with scar tissue, permanently damaging the liver and leading to other serious health problems.

Scott and Tammy tried to get his name on a transplant list for four years, but he wasn’t yet sick enough to be referred. During that time, Pastor Scott was able to do almost everything he used to before his diagnosis, and the doctors used medications to help get the disease under control. But last March, his health took a sharp downward turn as his condition rapidly worsened. Cirrhosis of the liver leads to a buildup of fluid in the body, and a buildup of toxins, as the liver struggles to function. Those toxins leak into the abdomen and legs, resulting in fatigue, swelling, and weight loss. Some days, Scott can’t even get out of bed because he doesn’t have the energy. The only positive to this development was that Scott was now sick enough to be referred for the transplant list. But both Scott and Tammy were unprepared for what happened next: his referral was turned down.

The transplant center did not accept the Parrishes’ selfpayment insurance network as valid, which was one of the many criteria to be on the transplant list. That meant they had to come up with enough money to either purchase the right kind of insurance or to cover the entire cost of a liver. “The initial reaction in the first minute, I cried,” said Tammy. “And then I realized our life is in God’s hands, and He can make a way when there seems to be no way.

“We have two daughters. They’re grown, both married, and they live out of state. When they were growing up, we never said, ‘We don’t have the money.’ We always said, ‘We’ll pray about it and ask the Lord, and if it’s His will, He’ll provide.’ That’s what they said when they found out about the money. It reminded us about things we had taught them growing up, about how God provides and about His blessings.” 42 // February 2021

God indeed provided financially for Scott and Tammy through local community members and churches, and they were able to purchase insurance that allowed Scott’s name to be put on the transplant list. “I cannot say enough good things about [the church body]. They have stepped up in overwhelming ways. Many churches and community members, people we don’t even know: so many churches have come and made such a difference,” Tammy said. “We cry on a daily basis because of the goodness of God and the kindness of His people. Little children will say, ‘This is my tooth fairy money,’ or, ‘This is my ice cream money.’ It is sacrificial giving. It’s not out of abundance. They have stepped in and done whatever needs to be done.”

Tammy and Scott are asking for prayer—first, that God gives Scott a new liver, and second, for the family of the donor. They’re also beyond thankful for the countless prayers already offered up: “Prayer is a lot of hard work, especially for a prayer warrior, and for someone to pray for someone they don’t even know is very humbling.”

This is a developing story, and new information may be available in the coming days or weeks. If you would like to stay up to date with Scott’s journey or donate in support of his fight, visit www.conasaugabaptist.org. You can also send them uplifting messages and encouragement by emailing tp7447@gmail.com. “Scott’s desire is to be a full-time pastor again. He looks toward what will be to encourage him and keep him going, and our heart is that God get all the glory.”

Gò0dNews from thePhysician’s Desk

Q&A: What You Need to Know About Cholesterol

Most people have probably heard of cholesterol, and they may even know that it plays an important role in heart disease—a leading killer of U.S. men and women. Even so, many people may have questions about cholesterol and why they should pay attention to it. Do you? If so, here are some common questions, along with the answers.

Q: What is cholesterol?

A: Cholesterol is a waxy substance that your body actually needs to function normally. But if too much of it builds up in your bloodstream, your health could suffer as a result.

Q: What causes high cholesterol?

A: Your body makes some cholesterol. And cholesterol is found in animal-based foods, like meat and cheese. But the dietary components that raise blood cholesterol the most are saturated and trans fats. Foods high in these fats can cause your liver to make more cholesterol than your body needs.

Q: What are the different types of cholesterol?

A: There are two main types of cholesterol: Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which is often called the bad cholesterol because it tends to collect in arteries; and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which is often called the good cholesterol because it helps remove excess cholesterol from your arteries.

Over time, excess LDL cholesterol can combine with other substances in the blood and clog arteries that supply the heart and the brain with blood. As a result, those arteries may become stiff and narrow, and circulation may be decreased or become blocked. This is commonly called hardening of the arteries. And it can lead to problems like heart disease, heart attack or a stroke.

HDL cholesterol plays an important role in heart disease in two ways: Having high blood levels can actually lower your risk of heart disease, but having too little can increase your risk.

Q: How would I know if my cholesterol levels are within a healthy range?

A: The only way to know is to get tested. The American Heart Association recommends that most adults have a cholesterol test—it's a simple blood test—at least every four to six years. Ask your doctor what's best for you.

Q: How are unhealthy cholesterol levels treated?

A: If your cholesterol levels aren't what they should be, you may be able to improve them with some lifestyle changes. It helps to: • Eat fewer foods high in saturated and trans fats, such as fatty meats and processed foods. • Eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. • Get some exercise, such as brisk walking, at least 150 minutes a week. • Maintain a healthy weight. You also may need to take a cholesterol-lowering medicine, like a statin.

If you don’t have a primary care provider, visit HamiltonHealth.com/hpg. Hamilton Physician Group offers both primary and specialty care providers in Dalton, Chatsworth, Calhoun, and Ringgold.

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