The first official visit I made as South Carolina Baptist Convention president was to Bethea Retirement Center in Darlington. I was there at the invitation of Tom Turner, director of South Carolina Baptist Ministries for the Aging. I had a full day of activities, including speaking in chapel, meeting residents and staff members at a reception, and attending a lunch meeting with the board. This visit enlightened my perspective on our ministries for the aging.

First of all, the Bethea residents were extremely hospitable and attentive during my chapel address. These residents come from many different backgrounds and enjoy varying degrees of health, yet they were appreciative of my visit and reciprocated with encouragement and promises of prayer for the coming year. Furthermore, I experienced the deep, abiding faith that obviously sustained these residents through a variety of tragedies and trials.

Secondly, the Bethea staff was extremely caring for residents and guests alike. For example, several staff members continuously included both residents and guests within conversations. This proved to me that staff members viewed their positions as a calling rather than a job. I witnessed this ideal incorporated by the administrative staff, therapists and the culinary staff.

Finally, the quarterly board meeting was attended by ministers and laypersons from locations throughout South Carolina. Board members are united by the common bonds of Christian charity and a commitment to better healthcare for an aging population.

From my experience at Bethea, I have a great deal of respect for South Carolina Baptist Ministries for the Aging and its respective entities. I look forward to visiting Martha Franks Retirement Center and am confident the staff and board members there will be equally impressive.

I also look forward to visiting the other ministry partners that make the South Carolina Baptist Convention unique in portraying Christ to South Carolina. Our partner institutions are staffed by many gifted individuals who are, again, called rather than employed. Our state convention is truly blessed to have such caring ministry partners that are staffed by such gifted personnel.

Thank you for the privilege of being your convention president.

— Tommy Kelly is pastor of Varnville First Baptist Church and president of the South Carolina Baptist Convention.