Talbot Davis

Approximately three years ago, Pastor Talbot Davis preached a sermon at Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church urging his congregation to do more with and for needy people. He gave several examples of the kinds of things, including teaching someone to read.

As it happened, a visitor in the congregation that Sunday was involved in planning a workshop to train tutors to work one-on-one with illiterate adults using the Laubach method. Davis attended the workshop in mid-January, and by March he was meeting with his student, Robert. Since then the two have continued to meet twice a week for sessions of 45 minutes to an hour, geared to the student's attention span. For Davis, the best part of tutoring has been the friendship that developed between Robert and him. An additional reward for Davis is that Robert now has a church home at Mt. Carmel, where he has been welcomed into the congregation.

Davis says his interest in teaching an adult to read was sparked by his mother who taught him to read. To succeed as a tutor, Davis believes the three essential qualities are patience, perseverance, and a love of reading.

Additionally, Davis sees the tragedy that results when people cannot read. "Anyone who thinks having a non-literate society is a danger should be involved in this program," said Davis.