Natchez resident Dick Arehart believes missionaries are everywhere. &uot;We’ve got two missionaries right here in the neighborhood,&uot; he said. In recent years, Arehart and his wife, retired teacher Ruby Arehart, have been blessed with visits from two young neighbors, Rebecca Davis, 10, a fifth-grader at McLaurin Elementary School, and Brianne Nugent, 9, a third-grader at Cathedral Elementary School.

The two girls often visit the Areharts to bring them goodies, cards or just to talk.

&uot;I just want to spread a little sunshine with them,&uot; Nugent said.

Their visits are special to Dick Arehart, who struggles with health problems and is often confined to bed.

&uot;It perks me up to see them,&uot; he said.

The two girls have known the elderly couple since they were babies, and they like to brighten their days with visits.

&uot;I think it makes them happy,&uot; Davis said.

The girls talk to the Arehart’s about everything from church and sports to family and friends.

&uot;I talk about my basketball games and if we win or lose,&uot; Nugent said.

And Davis said she often talks about her softball games.

The girls said they also enjoy hearing the Areharts tell stories.

&uot;I think Rebecca has just enjoyed being with older people,&uot; said her mother, Pat Davis. &uot;She has a caring heart and so does Brianne.&uot;

Ruby Arehart said the visits keep her posted on all the &uot;young&uot; happenings.

&uot;They have been just darling,&uot; she said. &uot;They’ve just been a lot of company. It’s great to look out and see them at the door.&uot;

Ruby Arehart wishes for more parents would encourage their children to do good deeds like spending time with older people.

&uot;If they could realize how wonderful it is for children to do that and to think of older people,&uot; she said.

This might help young people to avoid violence, she said.

Brianne is the daughter of Scott and Audley Nugent and Rebecca is the daughter of Roger and Pat Davis.