10/11/2026
From the Pastor’s pen
I haven’t known Lucas for very long, but in the time I have known him, one thing has stood out to me: Lucas has a smile that is hard to forget. Many of you who know Lucas have seen that smile time and time again. He has a way of smiling at you that makes you want to smile right back. It’s part of who he is, and it’s one of the things that makes him so special.
I first met Lucas and his family earlier this year when I was invited to preach one Sunday at the church they attended. That morning, Lucas and his family came to the altar to pray. I went over to pray with them, and it was during that moment that I learned about Lucas’s battle with cancer.
Since then, the Lord has given me the privilege of getting to know this family more personally. One of the greatest honors has been the opportunity to baptize Lucas, Tabitha, and Jeremiah. Those are moments I will always be grateful for.
Although Lucas still carries that familiar smile, I’ve noticed something in his eyes that wasn’t there when we first met. There is a little more concern now. And as you would expect, there is concern when facing something as difficult as Stage 4 colon cancer.
Sometimes, a smile can tell you a lot about a person. But sometimes, if you look a little closer, you can see the weight they are carrying, too.
Lucas and his family need our prayers, but they also need our help. Cancer treatments, surgeries, and the many expenses that come with this battle can place an enormous burden on a family. Insurance doesn’t cover everything, and those uncovered expenses can quickly add up.
Many prayers have already been lifted up for Lucas, and I am thankful for every person who has taken the time to pray for him and his family. Prayer is powerful, and we should never underestimate what God can do through it. But I also believe there are times when the Lord places someone on our hearts because He wants us to do more than pray. He may be giving us an opportunity to become part of the answer to someone else’s prayer. Perhaps God is placing Lucas and his family on your heart for that very reason.
On October 17, 2026, at 4:00 PM, Unity Hill Baptist Church will host a Benefit Sing for Lucas Pace, along with a bake and craft silent auction. It will be an opportunity for our community to come together, offer encouragement, and help ease some of the financial burden this family is carrying.
I’m asking you to prayerfully consider joining us. Come enjoy the music and fellowship. Participate in the auction if you can. Give what you feel led to give, and help us show Lucas and his family that they are not walking this road alone.
Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. You may never fully understand what your presence, your generosity, or a simple word of encouragement might mean to this family. But I believe that when we allow God to use us to help someone in need, we become part of something far greater than ourselves.
Lucas has a familiar smile that can brighten a room. My prayer is that, through the love and generosity of others, we can give him and his family even more reasons to smile during this difficult season.
Let’s stand together in prayer. Let’s stand together in compassion. And let’s put our faith into action. Because sometimes, being the hands and feet of Jesus means showing up when someone needs us most.
October 17, 2026 | 4:00 PM
Unity Hill Baptist Church
1161 County Road 31, Centre, Alabama
