Not long ago, I had the happy privilege of being an overnight guest at the Bethea Baptist Retirement Center near Darlington. It was a most pleasant experience to have the opportunity to visit with administrator Ben Spurling and his staff and to talk with several residents. It was also so encouraging to see the major improvements that are taking place at Bethea on the buildings and the grounds. I understand that the Florence Morning News and other publications have recently indicated that Bethea is again becoming one of the premier retirement centers in the Pee Dee section of South Carolina. During my visit, it was easy for me to understand why such recognition about Bethea is indeed taking place!
Some four years or so ago, South Carolina Baptist churches were asked to provide emergency monies to help Bethea meet pressing financial needs. Those monies made all the difference in helping Bethea overcome tremendous odds and begin to make exciting plans for the future in providing excellent care for senior adults. The response of the churches in providing many hours of volunteer help has also been tremendous, and there is no doubt in my mind but that the future is bright. I commend president Rich McLawhorn and the board of directors for the South Carolina Baptist Ministries for the Aging for their excellent work in support of both Bethea and the Martha Franks Retirement Center at Laurens.
South Carolina Baptists have every reason to be grateful for both retirement communities. As a matter of fact, the members of the churches have numerous reasons to be genuinely proud of all of the institutions related to the state convention. Those institutions are superb in every regard. May God be praised!
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