Always having had a “mind for missions,” the pastor of South Hartsville Baptist Church finally realized his dream and went on a mission trip to Brazil.?A few years later, he and his wife went on a mission trip to Jamaica, where they witnessed many being saved. Dave Worthington is now making plans to travel with a team to Nicaragua in March 2008 to work with local pastors and churches there.
Elaine and Dave WorthingtonWorthington has worked in many different missions in his own back yard.?He along with church members and volunteers from other cities and states, physically built the new sanctuary in 1995. He often encouraged the members of the church during that time with his favorite phrase, “Building on Faith.”?His missions work at home included prison ministry, hospital chaplaincy, and service on various committees of Welsh Neck Baptist Association?and the soup kitchen.
Dave and Elaine Worthington’s commitment to the Lord has been an example for all of those whom they have shepherded in the church and community for the past 20 years. The couple has been not only spiritual leaders, but also friends of their congregation and community in times of happiness and in times of sorrow.
After years of good health, Worthington recently suffered a setback with an illness that curtailed his busy schedule for several months. He said that it had humbled him and given him a sincere appreciation for those who are suffering from afflictions and debilitating diseases that interfere with their everyday lives.
Throughout 2007, the church has celebrated the Worthingtons’ 20th anniversary with card showers, telephone calls, and various means of encouragement.?On “Celebration Sunday” in July, the church presented the pastor with many surprises, culminating with a trip to the mountains of Tennessee and a monetary gift.?