Sylvia Dominguez and Becky Fisher, second and third from left, and their colleagues at Adventist University organize and prepare the books collected for the proposed learning library in Bithlo.

When Becky Fisher and Sylvia Dominguez came up with the idea to collect books for a proposed lending library in Bithlo, a small, rural community in East Orange County, little did they know they would receive more than 2,000 books to fill the shelves.

Fisher and Dominguez, who both work in the Adventist University library, were involved in a service project in Bithlo, Fla. last August when they were first introduced to Tim McKinney of United Global Outreach. When McKinney shared his dream of starting a lending library in the community they immediately wanted to help. Originally, they planned to donate books scheduled to be withdrawn from the University’s collection. The dream grew bigger when they decided to open it up to University students, staff, and the whole Florida Hospital system. After one email asking for donations, the rest, as they say, is history.

“It makes me feel so wonderful to know that we have such generosity in our employees at Florida Hospital, the University, and local businesses,” said Dominguez. Fisher echoes her sentiments: “The project became a reality because of the understanding of the importance of giving back to the community. I feel so fortunate to work for an organization whose mission is to help others.”

The Bithlo library is expected to become a reality in the weeks ahead. Thanks to the vision for this project and the generosity of many, the library will open its doors with a complete collection of books for students of all ages who understand what it means to extend the healing ministry of Christ one book at a time.

-by Stephanie Wright