Douglas County Magistrate Judge Barbara Caldwell may be short on Bibles, but she’s full of energy.
Caldwell is busy looking for and asking people to donate Bibles that can be distributed in lesser-developed countries.
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Douglas County Magistrate Judge Barbara Caldwell may be short on Bibles, but she’s full of energy.
Caldwell is busy looking for and asking people to donate Bibles that can be distributed in lesser-developed countries.
“Monday, I sent my last box of Bibles,” she said Thursday. “I said, ‘Lord, I need more Bibles.’ ”
For nearly 20 years, the lifelong Douglas County resident has led the effort of collecting new or used Bibles from the Douglas County community for international shipments. The donations go to Bible Pathway Ministries in Murfreesboro, Tenn., which then ships them to countries like Liberia, Nigeria, Nicaragua, Ghana and Haiti.
“I go around and look at yard sales and I have people that are helping me gather Bibles,” Caldwell said, after speaking at a local National Day of Prayer event.”
Unable to travel to the countries and speak to people in person, Caldwell said sharing Bibles is the next best thing. It’s a life-altering experience for her as well as those who receive copies.
“There are many people who are starving for the Word, but they don’t have the means,” she said. “It’s been on my heart since I’ve been on the bench because I know how important the Word of God is.”
The Bible drives became a passion for Caldwell after she started a community Bible study in 2004. She continues to lead the studies on Tuesday and Thursday of each week.
So, how do people get Bibles to the judge?
“They can call me and I will meet them, wherever they desire,” Caldwell said, adding her phone number — (678) 522-4921. “If I don’t answer, leave a message and I will come to wherever you are.”
The most donations Caldwell has ever received was in 2010, thanks in large part to New Bethel Baptist Church in Winston, which contributed a box of about 40 to 50 Bibles. She sends an average of 500 Bibles a year to Bible Pathway Ministries.
Born and raised in Douglas County, Caldwell said she remains here because it’s her home. She said, while people are quick to point to the negative things about the county, there are plenty of positive things happening and good people that live in the county.
“I really enjoy the people in Douglas County,” she said. “We got some faults, but this is still a great place. I know there is still hope in people and you can help them change. God loves everyone, and people can change.”
Caldwell is the first African American judge to serve in Douglas County.
“I didn’t choose to become a magistrate judge. In a way, it chose me,” she said. “I taught school and then worked at commercial bank before being recommended to fill a job as magistrate judge in 1984.”
“Two weeks after being appointed, I was on the bench,” she added. “That blessed me with an opportunity to steer people down a positive path.”
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