Purvis' faith not thwarted by ALS diagnosis
By Becky Russell
Special to Northeast Ledger

Jackson native Charlotte Purvis was told by doctors that she only had a few years to live, but rather than give up on life, she chose instead to press on at a faster pace, armed with even greater determination.

The 57-year-old was diagnosed in November 2006 with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Also known as Lou-Gehrig's disease, the medical prognosis for most patients is terminal with a life expectancy of three to five years.

A strong woman of faith, Purvis said she believed she was faced with only two choices.

"I could become consumed in self pity and depression, or I could ask God for his strength and power each day so I could share his love and grace with others. ALS has become a personal tribulation in my life, but I have learned that I can use this tribulation to work out patience as I continue to grow in Christ," said Purvis.

When she was diagnosed in 2006 Purvis was still able to walk, but as the disease has progressed she has been confined to a wheelchair. Unable to do anything on her own, Purvis now has a full-time caregiver to assist with daily activities.

Her husband Jeff said, "It is difficult, but we take it one day at a time. We continue to draw strength from the Lord every day,"

"I believe God wants us to be a reflection of His character no matter what the circumstances are in our lives. I now ask him to fight my battles in his strength because I know that apart from him, I can do nothing," said Purvis.

Following the diagnosis Purvis said God put a burden on her heart to get involved in prison ministry. A couple of phone calls later, Purvis began volunteering with a ministry at the Hinds County jail.

Nicki Benz heads up the "Buried Treasures Ministry" and is amazed at how much Purvis gives to others in spite of her illness.

"Charlotte cherishes every moment she has with the inmates. She loves to pray with them and give them words of encouragement. "Just think of how precious Charlotte must be to the Lord because she can't do anything for herself yet she gives everything of herself to others. She is praising God with every breath," said Benz.

Purvis said people often ask her if visiting the prison is too difficult a task at this stage of the disease.

"I can only tell them that I have never experienced a greater joy and inner peace than when I am able to share the gospel with the ladies in prison. I am the one who receives a great blessing and my faith has increased as I see the handiwork of God," said Purvis.

Friend Jane McIntosh said Purvis is a great inspiration and example for those who are in good health.

"Charlotte does far more than the rest of us and she never thinks of herself. She trusts the Lord so much with everything in her life, and you can see Jesus shining through her. I am blessed to be her friend," said McIntosh.

Dr. Phil Walker is the senior pastor at Ridgecrest Baptist Church where Jeff and Charlotte attend services.

"Charlotte continues to be an amazing encourager to other people even though she is in a very difficult situation. I have known other people with this disease and it can really get you down, but Charlotte refused to be brought down by this. She has grown so much in the Lord during this journey," said Walker.

Purvis is thankful for the faithful support of her husband Jeff, her children and her friends. She looks forward to what life has in store from here.

"God has been so faithful to me. He says he will never leave us or forsake us and I know the promises in His word are true. I believe he will give me the grace I need to endure the race," said Purvis.

To submit a Faith story idea, e-mail Becky Russell at brrus sell@comcast.net



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