GRAY, Ga. -- After a one-in-a-million kidney transplant, four people from Jones County are redefining what family looks like.

"I love ya'll," says Laura Beth Moody to her husband Josh and their friends Chris and Lashawn Garey.

At the same time a year prior, the two couples hardly knew each other.

They spent the last several years revolving in distant circles, only crossing paths when they came to the Jones County Rec Complex to watch their kids play little league baseball.

"I know one year our kids did play on the same all-star team," says Chris.

In the spring of 2021, these acquaintances became each other’s chosen family.

"I grew up by myself, an only child, and I feel like she’s the sister," says Lashawn, pointing to Laura Beth. "She’s supposed to be my sister."

In January, Chris Garey began struggling with his health. His kidneys were slowly failing him and he needed a transplant to stay alive.

With an O-negative blood type, his chances of finding a viable donor were slim to none.

Just eight percent of white Americans are O-negative. For Black Americans, it’s only four percent.

With nothing to do but wait, Chris went about his life in pain, hiding his situation as best he could.

Then, a miracle happened.

"Sunday school," says Josh. "We were in Sunday school and it came up as a prayer request and that’s when we found out he was on dialysis. We didn’t have a clue. He hid it really well."

Without knowing if they would be a match, or really knowing Chris at all, Josh Moody made up his mind to be the donor.

"I woke up the next morning and I knew. Basically, God said you’re giving Chris a kidney," says Josh.

At 98 percent, it was a perfect match.

"The only thing closer would have been identical twins," says Josh.

Together, Chris and Josh went through the transplant process for months.

"Lord knows how much bloodwork. I think the final count was 67 vials of blood or something like that," says Josh.

Both men made full recoveries with no issues.

All four say that the ordeal was nothing other than a message from God.

"I just know it. One hundred percent, this is my purpose in life. This is why God created me. It was to donate this kidney to Chris."

The Moodys and the Gareys say they believe the experience was meant to bring them together, to share their story with anyone who ever questioned if there was a higher power.

"God is real and you must have faith," says Chris.

The couples say their mission now is to start a kindness chain and to encourage people to lend a hand, no matter how big, and to be open to the fact that the person you need most in your life might be right in front of you.

"These guys can look like this," Laura Beth says gesturing to Chris and Josh. "Completely different. But, their blood is so much alike that they can share an organ, and that’s been a big deal to all of us from the start."