November has been a very busy time for Evelyn and me. On November 4, I was privileged to dedicate my great-granddaughter to the Lord in a service at Evangel Cathedral in Spartanburg, SC. Her name is Isabella and she is the daughter of Joseph and Rachel Pellegrino. Rachel, of course, is my granddaughter. Isabella is their second child.
The following Saturday, November 10, I flew to Raleigh, NC to be with Pastor David Sutphin and his wife, Marilyn, for a service on Sunday, November 11 at Faith Community Church. I had a great time of fellowship in this, my second visit to their church. They have a wonderful group of people.
The following weekend I flew to Cincinnati to be with Pastors Dale and Cathi Campfield. Their church, Eastgate Community Church, is only one month old. They meet in a rented facility. That Sunday we had 479 in attendance. I’ve never seen a church with more excited members! They are off to a great start and have a great future.
Evelyn and I went to Myrtle Beach for some relaxation. While there we met with Tom Whidden and his wife, Betty, for a meal and conversation. We had a great time with them. Tom and Betty pioneered and pastored a church in Concord, NC for 44 years.
Also while in Myrtle Beach we visited with Henry and Lynn Brock. Prior to moving to North Myrtle Beach, the Brocks lived in Spartanburg, SC. As a matter of fact, I was their pastor in Spartanburg for 23 years. They have lived in North Myrtle Beach for 13 years. They went to North Myrtle Beach to operate the Myrtle Beach Christian Retreat. They have done this for the past 13 years. A few years ago they started a church, Spirit and Life Worship Center. Today their son-in-law, Jay Ortiz, pastors the church.
Not satisfied to be content with the church and retreat center, they now have plans to build condos on their five acre property which is on Highway 17 and also only a few blocks from the ocean. They are planning to build Solomon’s Temple on the property as a tourist attraction. Presently, they are raising funds for this project.
It was good to see them again and also to meet their extended family. In addition to spending Thanksgiving with them, it was also my privilege to preach for them in their church on Sunday. Both Evelyn and I had a most delightful time with them.
