Special medical funds set up for local pastor

By Melinda L. Lucas

The Albany Ministerial Alliance, of which Paul Johnston is an active member, announced Tuesday that they have set up a way to donate directly to help the Friendship Baptist Church pastor with his medical expenses.

Friends who would like to donate can ask tellers at either local bank – First Financial and First National – to put the funds in Johnston’s account. Both banks also have facilities in Abilene.

Johnston was admitted to Stephens Memorial Hospital on Aug. 30 with kidney stones. He quickly developed sepsis, which then caused other medical problems, including Atrial fibrillation, more commonly known as Afib.

Johnston was transferred to Hendrick Medical Center when a room became available on Aug. 31, and since then has undergone a successful procedure to get his heart back to a normal rhythm, as well as dialysis to improve kidney function and a steady diet of IV antibiotics.

Danita Johnston, Paul’s wife, said Tuesday night that she expected him to be moved to a rehab facility on Wednesday, but that recovery will probably take  weeks and possibly months.

“Many of you have offered to help in so many ways; every need has been met eagerly,” said Danita. “We are blessed by so many prayers and the love you all have shown us.”

In addition to pastoring the Friendship congregation, Paul is the Big Country East representative for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and regularly visits area schools. 

Several friends and fellow pastors have temporarily taken over FCA ministries in Albany, including Betsy Spraberry, Anthony Ceder, Clint Chapman, and possibly others.

A GoFundMe account set up by one of Johnston’s former students surpassed its $7,500 goal and is still growing, but Alliance members wanted Johnston’s friends and supporters to be able to contribute locally and more directly, said Alliance secretary Tisha Wilkins.