Prayers in the Pew
By Jessie Box, Public Affairs Specialist
On a quiet Sunday morning, sunlight streamed through the stained glass windows of a small Birmingham church while hymns of praise echoed gently throughout the sanctuary. But in an instant, the calm gave way to crisis.
A Testament to Devoted Service
The congregation held a quiet reverence as Pastor Roy Peterson stepped into the pulpit at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church to deliver his sermon.
Among those present was a 93-year-old founding member and proclaimed mother of the church. What began as a peaceful morning took an unexpected turn, however, when she became unresponsive during the message.
The service came to a halt, prompting immediate concern and fear.
Right Place, Right Time
Two Birmingham VA nurses, Ann Woods and Theresa Turner, were in attendance that morning for worship. Without hesitation, they quickly assessed her condition before initiating CPR.
“Several people had gathered around her, and I immediately went to assess the situation,” described Woods. “After determining she was unresponsive and being unable to palpate a pulse, Turner immediately initiated chest compressions.”
Working as a team, they alternated responsibilities to provide continuous and effective care.
“After one round of compressions we were still unable to detect a pulse, so Ann relieved me and continued” Turner recounted. “Prayerfully, after the second round we were able to palpate a pulse, and she regained consciousness.”
When emergency medical personnel arrived, they found she had been sustained through the nurses’ skilled efforts. Their timely intervention made all the difference, creating a crucial window for advanced care to step in.
“God placed Ann and Theresa exactly where they were supposed to be that morning, and I’m so grateful they answered his call,” praised Pastor Peterson.
Amazing Grace
The beloved church matriarch was transported to a nearby medical facility for further evaluation and is currently in good spirits.
This encouraging outcome is largely due to the swift decisiveness of Woods and Turner.
“Neither of us hesitated when it came to rendering aid,” Woods said. “My experience as a Registered Nurse, combined with the quarterly Resuscitation Quality Improvement VA training, has prepared me to recognize when someone is in distress and equipped me with the skills needed to respond effectively in emergency situations.”
“I just did what I knew to do,” Turner added. “Please learn CPR and always be ready for the opportunity to save a life.”
The events of that Sunday morning gave a clear demonstration of how essential it is to both receive and maintain proper training. Whether in a place of worship, at home, or out in the community, having the skills and confidence to act quickly can make all the difference in an emergency.
“This was something we never imagined or expected to face,” said Pastor Peterson. “Witnessing Ann and Theresa respond right away was truly inspiring. After learning about their training through the Birmingham VA, we were motivated to begin offering CPR certification classes so our congregation can be better prepared in the future.”
The life saving actions of Woods and Turner serve as a powerful reminder that in moments of crisis, preparedness and compassion can work together as instruments of amazing grace.