A pastor in Hixson continues to care for his congregation despite his terminal cancer diagnosis.
On this week's Pay It Forward, Jessica Harthorn surprises him at Wednesday night Bible Study.
Mickey Bane has been the pastor of Middle Valley Baptist Church for the last three years.
His congregation says he was an answer to their prayers, now they're lifting him up in his time of need.
It's a Wednesday night and the cookies are piled high.
The youth at Middle Valley Baptist Church are getting ready for a Bible Study their pastor will never forget.
Member Cheryl Vandergriff organized the surprise.
"Our church prayed for someone like him, and he has been such an inspiration to each one of us, as family members and as individuals," said Cheryl.
Pastor Mickey Bane was recently diagnosed with incurable stage four colon cancer.
Over the past few months, he's kept his congregation updated on Facebook, posting pictures of the Bible totes he makes when insomnia sets in.
But through it all, Cheryl says Pastor Mickey remains committed to his church.
"And you know, he calls us when he is in the hospital dying, he did not know if he was going to live or die, and wants to know if there is anything we need, or that he can do. You just don't find many like him," said Cheryl.
The kids lined up and filed into the fellowship room one by one, then Cheryl walked to the podium interrupting the Bible Study.
"Mickey, tonight is for you. Us, as a family, and a church family just could not be prouder of you and the blessings that you have been to us. So this Thanksgiving season it could not be more appropriate to give this to you, and with Newschannel9 and the McMahan Law Firm, we are Paying It Forward. Everybody count! 1, 2, louder, 3, 4, the loudest, $500! We love you Mickey. What a blessing you are," surprised Cheryl.
"Thank you," hugged Pastor Mickey.
Pastor Mickey says his future health remains uncertain, but no matter the outcome his faith gives him peace.
"When God is real in your life, you don't give up. Because there is no reason to give up, you just keep moving forward. And when you have a family that's beside you, when somebody else is hurting, you hold them up, and when you are hurting they hold you up.," said Pastor Mickey.
Then Pastor Mickey and his congregation bowed their heads, praying for healing.
"This is real. There is nothing fake about this," said Pastor Mickey.
Pastor Mickey tells us this holiday season he's thankful for family, and the time given to him to show them God's love.
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