By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

PELHAM— At the ninth annual Harvest of Hope Luncheon Sept. 15 at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center, Pelham Mayor Gary Waters shared a personal story about gifts and gift giving.

Oak Mountain Missions hosts the luncheon each year, and Waters explained that gift giving is what the organization does. His story was prefaced by the question: “Do you give your gifts freely or do you horde your gifts?”

“They identify the gifts and the givers and the talents of others and they bring those treasures to bear at the proper time in the proper moment to give those that are less fortunate that us what they need,” he said.

In the fifth grade, Waters met his friend Chuck. Waters explained that he was bullied as a kid, and that the bullies never bothered Chuck. At that point in time, Waters needed security and Chuck needed companionship.

The stayed in each other’s lives from then on, writing to keep in touch when they weren’t together. They both served as best man at the other’s weddings.

Five years ago, Chuck was in need of a kidney and Waters said he knew he was Chuck’s donor, even though there was a 1 in 270,000 chance. As luck would have it, Waters was a better match than both of Chuck’s brothers.

“We are so easily dissuaded today that miracles don’t happen anymore, but they do,” Waters said. “Why else, in the fifth grade, would God put in front of me, and as my guardian, someone that many years later I could return the favor too. That’s how it works, and it all comes down to the gifts you have.”

These gifts are what Oak Mountain Missions provides for its clients, according to Waters. In 2014, the organization, headquartered in Pelham, had 4,898 visits from families in need in Shelby and Jefferson Counties.

The Harvest of Hope Luncheon raises funds to provide food, financial assistance and general aid for families in need. This luncheon is responsible for about one-third of the Mission’s operating expenses.

“It’s a very important part of our operating expense, and donations greatly help,” said Dianne Cesario, assistant director of Oak Mountain Missions.

Janet Hall from Fox 6 News served as the mistress of ceremonies and one of Oak Mountain Missions’ clients shared her success story at the event.

“It is most enjoyable,” she said.  “I enjoy seeing the community come together. Everyone is working toward one goal and that is to help people in need in our community.”