Jeff Calhoun is no stranger to scissor lifts. He has lived on one for the past five days, and this is his fourth year to perform the stunt.

But Calhoun, pastor of Lomax Assembly of God, isn’t just out to gain publicity. He is trying to raise $30,000 for missions through a project called “Pivot 180,” with the unwavering belief that God can “turn things around” in the midst of difficult economic times.

Calhoun is spending 180 hours in the 5’-by-10’ lift in front of the church on Highway 31 North and is accepting prayer requests from anyone who stops by.

“We just know everyone’s struggling, and the church is just seeking more funds to help more people during the holidays,” he said. “I think that it’s a season of giving, and when you don’t have for yourself, it makes it hard because everyone wants to give.”

Calhoun entered the lift at 2 p.m. Saturday and plans to come down at 10 a.m. this Sunday. He allows himself one hour per day for bathroom breaks and a short break from the cold.

He spent several days on the lift for three consecutive years, but this is his first time to do it since 2005.

“Boy, the last year it was cold, and I said I would never do it again, but desperate times call for desperate measures,” the pastor said.

Calhoun wants to draw attention to the fact that during the holidays, many people struggle with depression caused by sickness, hard times and financial crises.

The church body will be spending time in prayer for everyone who stops by between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. through Friday.

All donations will help struggling missionaries, as well as local people in need of food, electricity and Christmas gifts for their children.

“Prayer alone isn’t enough. We must pray and we must do,” Calhoun said.

To submit a prayer request online, go to LomaxAG.com and select the “Prayer Request” button. Or, you may fill out a request card at the church.

Contributions may be taken to the church or mailed to: P.O. Box 1528, Clanton, AL 35045.