Twenty members of Elko Church, Elko, traveled to Ashville, Ala., in July to help rebuild a home destroyed when tornadoes ravaged that state in April. Working in 100-degree temperatures, the team installed a tin roof, built front and back decks, and laid plastic in the crawl space of the house. On the last night of the trip, when Elko pastor Tom Baker asked the group to describe the memories they’d take home, one member said, “Heat, rain, hard work and blessing.”
A group of youth and adults from Calvary Church, Barnwell, participated in the church’s fourth mission trip to West Virginia this summer, collecting more than 3,000 pounds of food, 256 book bags, clothes and furniture for the Appalachian community. They also donated book bags to Barnwell schools and a local ministry, and for the third time provided a “ministry garden” of fresh vegetables for senior adults and needy families in Barnwell. George Johnson was director of the group.
The senior high and college Sunday school class of Pleasant Dale Church, Lancaster, traveled to New York City in June to work at the Bowery Mission. During their week-long stay, they helped prepare three meals and held three Bible studies each day. The Bowery is a mission house for the homeless that has provided assistance for more than 100 years.
Six members of Brushy Creek Church in Taylors recently traveled to Serbia for their fourth summer mission trip. During their stay, the group hosted a neighborhood Bible club and worked in a Child Evangelism Fellowship youth camp. They also provided training for the Serbian nationals on how to conduct their own Vacation Bible School and raise funds for their ministry.
The youth of Allendale-Hampton Association recently traveled to Awanita Valley in Marietta for a weekend retreat. A total of 30 youth and adults – representing Deep Branch, Hopewell and Nixville churches – were in attendance. Activities included Bible study and praise and worship time each evening, as well as rafting, horseback riding, canoeing and swimming during the day. Three of the youth made professions of faith during the weekend, and three others rededicated their lives to Christ.
A nine-member mission team, led by Larry and Tina McDonald, traveled to Uganda, East Africa, in July to teach pastors, pastors’ wives, and key church leaders in the towns of Apach and Kumi. “Being a Disciple and Making Disciples” was the theme for the evangelism and discipleship event. In addition, the group spoke at local school assemblies and conducted Vacation Bible Schools for the children. Larry McDonald, right, is dean of Christian ministry at North Greenville University’s T. Walter Brashier Graduate School and, along with his wife, has led eight mission trips to Uganda. Pictured with McDonald are NGU graduates Walter Pym and Kathy Burgess at Lake Victoria, source of the Nile River.
Northside Memorial Church, Sumter, held its annual Back to School Splash on Aug. 31 to wrap up summer activities and kick-off the new church year. More than 250 people attended the Back to School Splash, which included water slides, food, and a dunking booth featuring pastor Jimmy Holley and other church members.
The congregation of Fairview Church, Kinards, held Leadership Sunday on Sept. 11 to honor several members for their years of service. Pictured with pastor Shannon Faulkner (center) are Christie McGuirt, church pianist for 45 years; Patsy Deitz, church treasurer, 38 years; Norma Tucker, church printing, 20 years; Ruby Crapps, church clerk, 28 years; Tallie Crapps, usher chairman, 30 years; and Buster Walker, congregational leader, 30 years.
John O’Cain (center), pastor of Rocky Grove Church in Salley, and his wife Janice were recognized on Aug. 24 for their 20 years of service at Rocky Grove. Presenting a plaque of appreciation to the O’Cains is Johnny Muller, director of missions at Edisto Association.
North First Church recently recognized Sid Livingston, left, upon his retirement as teacher of the Men’s Fellowship Sunday school class. Livingston taught at First Church for nearly 40 years and prior to that at Bayview Church, Columbia, for 10 years. Pictured with Livingston is pastor Sam Fordham.
Randy James (left), pastor of High HIll Church in Darlington, received a bachelor of ministry degree from Covington Theological Seminary on July 29. The graduation service was held in Fort Oglethorpe, Ga.
Fort Johnson Church, Charleston, held its annual “Baptism at the Beach” on Sept. 11. Pictured is pastor Schuyler Peterson baptizing Joy Mims.
Student athletes at North Greenville University are donating their used footwear to United Ministries in Greenville. The project is a part of NGU’s student-athlete missions emphasis program, which seeks to promote a greater community connection through ministry service and mission opportunities for all its teams. United Ministries meets needs in inner-city Greenville by supplying food, clothing and other necessities. NGU created the project to share athletic shoes with young athletes who might not be able to afford a new pair.
The Women on Mission of Padgett’s Creek Church, Union, donated 30 duffle bags to the Department of Social Services on Aug. 23. Each bag contains a Bible and will be given to children who go into foster care. Pictured with the bags are Padgett’s Creek members Joan Humes, Rozelle Bramlett and Emma Lee Fincher.