By PHOEBE DONALD ROBINSON / Community Columnist

“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven,” says Ecclesiastes 3:1. Columbiana City Councilman Leslie Whiting has completed a 23-year season as chaplain of the Shelby County Jail.

His dedication to the inmates has been faithful and complete.

What he did for one, he did for all. For this season of his life, Whiting has shown these lost men his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and that they matter to Jesus.

“I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance,” Luke 15:7, quoted Whiting.

Last October, Whiting heard in his spirit that God was closing this season for him as chaplain and showed him the man to whom he should pass the chaplain’s hat, Brother David Smith.

“You just know when it’s time,” said Whiting. “God spoke to my heart in the still small voice, and I knew it was time to pass the hat.”

Smith had worked closely with Whiting for the last three years as assistant chaplain and has a heart for the lost.

“I knew this is where I wanted to be because I love to help people find Jesus,” said Smith. “If we don’t, who will?”

“Brother David is a dependable, trustworthy and discerning man,” said Whiting. “For the last three years he has stood in the gap for me. He has taken over for me when I have been out of town or had other commitments.

“I love Jesus Christ and so does Brother David. The jail needs a man who loves Jesus and loves those people who others have turned their back on. The inmates know if you are there for them. They can spot a phony. Brother David is honest and straightforward. I feel great to pass the hat to this man whom I call my friend.”

Smith’s character is reflected by the verses he chose on his business card: I Corinthians 1:17-18; 2:1-2; Romans 8:1-2, 10:9-13; and Galatians 2:20.

To contact Smith, call 205-862-2452 or airmanbr549@gmail.com.