CUMMING, Ga. — More than 100 people gathered in front of the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office Thursday afternoon. Fans and bottled water were handed out just before the National Day of Prayer service began.
A handful of community leaders addressed the crowd prior to Sheriff Ron Freeman introducing the featured speaker, Detective Drue Green.
"It was an honor to speak here today," Green said shortly after the service. "My story has been spread all over the place and the power of prayer is what's gotten me through it."
Green is a combat veteran who served in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He contracted a liver disease overseas.
"I was able to keep it at bay for years, but a month after having my daughter [doctors] told me I would need a transplant," Green said. "In January, I became too sick to do really anything. I spent 35 days in the hospital. I was in a dark place and prayer is what kept me going, between my family and this community and the sheriff's office."
He received the much-needed liver transplant on March 6 and says it would not have been possible with the prayers of those around him.
“I had a liver transplant two months ago, and look at me now. I'm up and able to do what I want to do,” Green said. “I'm not supposed to lift over a certain weight, but I get to spend every day with my wife and my little girl which is a blessing. The power of prayer works, it does.”
Want more Cumming news? Follow us on Facebook.