In the early hours of December 29, our neighbor and dear friend, Peter Germishuizen, experienced a tragic house fire that destroyed his home and all of its contents. Peter is currently in the hospital recovering from minor injuries due to the fire. We are so thankful he survived, but his life has been turned upside down. Tragically, a close friend who was staying with Peter for the holidays did not survive the fire.

Peter is 87 years old, originally from South Africa, and has spent his life building friendships and family wherever he goes. If you’ve ever met Peter, you know his kindness, his stories, and his ability to make you feel like you belong.

This year has already been unbearably hard for Peter. He lost his beloved wife, Faith, just months ago. Faith was a gifted artist whose work touched so many lives. Now, Peter faces the unimaginable—grieving his wife while losing his home and everything in it.

Peter needs our help. He will need funds for housing, essentials, and professional support to get through this season. If you can give, please do. Every dollar will help him rebuild and remind him that he is not alone.

You can also honor Peter and Faith by purchasing some of Faith’s beautiful artwork at 5th Street Interiors in Tifton.

Peter has spent his life creating family everywhere he goes. Let’s be that family for him now.