On Dec. 23, 2008 Norman Daugherty, pastor of New Salem Baptist Church in Griffin, passed away, leaving behind his wife, Donna, and their nine children. The Daughertys have been living in a three bedroom doublewide mobile home that is in much need of renovation and repairs.

As a ministry to the family, Flint River Baptist Association and the Christian community, as well as others, are raising funds to build Donna and her children a home (2,276 square feet over a partial basement) using as much volunteer/skilled labor as possible.

Norm Daugherty, who had served as pastor of the Griffin church for five years, was diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer three years ago and had the malignancy removed. Everyone thought the cancer had been eradicated and the problem solved. However, last summer Daugherty became ill with what he thought was a persistent summer cold, but his general health began to deteriorate and on Oct. 3 was told the melanoma had spread to his internal organs. He died two days before Christmas at age 52.

Norm, who graduated from Southwestern Seminary in 1987, served as a church planter with the North American Mission Board in Acworth, then as pastor of a church on Maryland’s eastern shore. In 1996 Norm and his family returned to Georgia to serve Orchard Hill First Baptist Church prior to becoming the pastor at New Salem.

Family was always a priority in Norm’s life. He was known for being a devoted husband and father. The Daughertys homeschooled their children and the family spent many hours together in ministry. People saw how much Norm loved his family and cared for them and have also noted the impact his death has had upon Donna and his sons and daughters.

Donna, whose dedication to Christ and her family is well known, has been determined to raise up godly children who would one day go and spread the gospel. From the birth of her first child her home has been her mission field, but she also supported her husband in just about every facet of church life. The Daugherty children range in age from 5 to 26. Elizabeth, the 18-year-old, has been mentally challenged since birth and will probably always live with her mother in order to receive the care and attention she needs.

Because of the Daughertys’ love for the Word of God, all nine children have biblical names: Benjamin, Caleb, Elizabeth, Enoch, Hannah, Isaac, Josiah, Lydia, and Rebekah. Rebekah, the oldest daughter, is married and works as a nurse at Spalding Regional Hospital. Enoch, the oldest son, is married and works in the medical field as an x-ray technician. When a year ago Enoch’s wife gave birth to their daughter, Emma, they provided the Daughertys their only grandchild.

People easily connected with Norm because of his love for others, his love for family, and his passion for making Christ known. Tim Riordan, pastor of SonRise Baptist Church in Newnan and Donna’s brother-in-law, stated, “People are responding to the Daughertys’ need for better housing, because they know how much Norm loved others and realize how much time he spent serving others.”

The Daughertys have been living in the mobile home with three bedrooms and two baths for the last twelve years. They lived in the same mobile home while serving as church planters with NAMB. They were in the process of paying for the home and land upon which their dwelling is located, but the home needed significant repairs.

During Norm’s illness Riordan found out that the roof of the mobile home was leaking badly and took some men from his church in Newnan to repair the roof, but it was generally concluded that the house needed an “Extreme Home Makeover.” The SonRise pastor was of the conviction that they should not depend on Hollywood to do what the church should be doing.

As discussions were taking place about an extreme makeover or the possibility of building the Daughertys a house, Norm was in the intensive care unit of the hospital. When he and Donna heard about the projected plans they were hesitant about giving their approval to such an undertaking. Norm feared that focusing on the needs of his family could potentially hurt the cause of Christ or minimize the needs of others with more “serious” problems.

Riordan commented, “I spoke with him about the matter and encouraged him to think through the situation. I told him that if God healed him, it could be a long time before he would be able to work again; and if God called him home, his family was going to be in need of sufficient housing. Soon after our conversation, he became so sick that we were never able to have a complete conversation about it again. After Norm’s death, I spoke with Donna again about the project and she agreed with proceeding forward.”

Riordan continued, “Once word began to get out that we were considering taking on this project, people began to call to offer their support and send money for the building of the house. Church leaders in Flint River Baptist Association have indicated that they feel it is their calling and responsibility to provide this ministry to the Daugherty family.”

In addition to the churches in Flint River Association, many other Baptist churches and churches of other denominations have gotten involved in the effort to assist the Daugherty family. Griffin community leaders have lent their support and encouragement to the project.

A contractor with Riggs Construction in Newnan, who is a member of SonRise Baptist Church, has offered to oversee the project at no cost. He has also secured the services of Mitch Ginn, a well-known architect in Newnan, who has offered his services without cost.

Kim Riggs, a representative of the Newnan construction company, remarked, “Because the Daugherty family has been such a blessing to so many people during their ministry, we consider it a blessing to be able to bless them in return.”

One person assisting with the project observed, “I have been impressed with Donna’s spirit throughout this whole process. She is such a humble person. She hasn’t asked for anything nor does she assume anything. My impression is that it is difficult for her to be on the receiving end, but I have been inspired by the legacy she and Norm have left their children.

“It’s really not about how much money we leave our family, but it’s about leaving our children with security in Christ. They have done this well.”

One contractor estimated that if this house were built as a “turn-key” project the cost would be around $275,000, but that cost will be reduced substantially because of the people who have come forth to offer their services. A plumbing company, a heating and air conditioning company, and some electricians have agreed to offer both materials and labor to help in the construction of the house.

Churches or individuals interested in giving to this project are urged to contact Jerry Riordan at Griffin’s Second Baptist Church. Those interested in more information about how to help with this effort should contact Charles Clark, Flint River’s associational missionary, at (770) 227-0155 or at frbafin@bellsouth.net.