During the 33 years Linda and I have lived in Sumter, we have raised two wonderful children and through our Pastoral ministry at First Assembly, we have made friendships and ministered to hundreds of families and individuals (many who came to Shaw AFB), and we have friendships with scores of missionaries that First Assembly has supported and is supporting now.
First Assembly was born out of a home prayer meeting in the early 50'sand has a rich heritage - having been led by seven pastors before I came. Each made notable contributions to the stability, progress, positive image, and outreachof First Assembly in our city.
During the time Linda and I have been here, First Assembly has experienced many changes. The face and size of our congregation constantly changes as we embrace and say goodbye to military friends. First Assembly has been through two building programs, the first of which was a relocation. We mothered a church in the neighboring town of Manning, supporting the young pastor that interned with us. Our ministry approach changed during Hurricane Hugo as we ministered to nearly 1000 families in our area, while doing our own reconstruction. Music and media have changed. Our softball record has changed, sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse.
But some things have not changed.
One thing that has not changed is our purpose. Our purpose is to be a GREAT CHURCH by doing the GREAT COMMANDMENTS (Matthew 22:37-39) and the GREAT COMMISSION (Matthew 28:19-20). We do not measure GREATNESS by our size, but rather by loving God, loving people and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. And that is our never changing purpose.
Another thing that has not changed is our passion. Our passion for Jesus is expressed through our worship, our ministries, our witness and our steadfastness in difficult conditions. Jesus is more than a creed or historical figure. He is alive, and following Him in discipleship is an exciting adventure for us.
Still another thing that has not changed is that we, like the Apostle Paul, reach "forward to those things which are ahead" (Phil. 3:13). We believe that Jesus has plans to continue GREAT ministry (as defined above) through First Assembly in the days ahead.
Thanks for giving me the opportunity to share with you. Feel free to learn more about First Assembly by exploring our website or by worshipping with us.
