CENTER STAR – The LYDIA Women's ministry of First Baptist Church in Center Star would like to invite you to join us for an evening of Hope and Encouragement as we present our annual Big Event 2009 "Shaped to Serve." This year's special guest speaker will be Atlanta Hostage Survivor Ashley Smith, with special music provided by Lee Marshall, news anchor for WAFF-48. She is also founder of the "Kids to Love" foundation that provides special programs to Alabama foster children. There are a limited amount of tickets available. All women, ages 10 and up, are encouraged to attend.

The event takes place Saturday, September 19 beginning at 6pm. Tickets are $12 and include reserved seating, dinner and program.

“Unlikely Angel” Ashley Smith will illustrate spiritual truths that give hope and encouragement during the difficult times in our lives.

Known around the world as the single mother who persuaded Brian Nichols, Atlanta’s court-room killer, to surrender to police, Ashley Smith will visit First Baptist Church Center Star to share her inspirational story. With a presence and a message capable of impacting and inspiring any audience, Ashley reveals that despite a less-than-angelic past, anyone can move beyond their mistakes and begin a life anew.

By her own account, Ashley has lived a life that falls somewhat short of heroic. Having given birth to a premature child less than a year into a volatile marriage followed by the devastating murder of her own husband, Ashley willingly gave her aunt temporary custody of her daughter while she continued on her own self-destructive path of drug abuse. Although these apparent shortcomings only led her further from her dreams and from God, they were ultimately the experiences that culminated in convincing Nichols to serve God by surrendering to the police.

Today, Ashley is back in active worship at The Church at Greenbrier, attends a weekly bible study and is living with her daughter Paige. She has returned to the familiar embrace of her family and has embarked on a tour to promote Unlikely Angel – The Untold Story of Atlanta’s Hostage Hero, which debuted at #15 on the New York Times Bestseller List. According to her wishes, some of the proceeds from her book will be donated to a memorial fund in honor of the victims of the courthouse tragedy.

For information or tickets, call the church office of FBC-Center Star, 757-1310.