Journey Baptist Gets their first Convert!
Pastor Hector and Devon Shelton were out driving around getting a house count in the Pine Ridge neighborhoods on August 10 when they came across a man that accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
We were driving around getting a house count of the area when Devon spotted a man that he suggested we need to ask about what was going on in the neighborhood. God led us to Tony Johnson who was sitting on his front steps on a very hot steamy day in August in South Carolina. As we approached the man, we made ourselves friendly and began a conversation. Tony provided us with useful information about the community and his neighborhood.
As the conversation went along, we made the transition to a spiritual conversation. I had to ask him about his own involvement in church and his relationship with the Lord Jesus. He said he didn't attend church, but did as a little kid and that he didn't have a relationship with God or His Son Jesus. He seemed knowledgable about some things of the Lord, but assured us that he wasn't saved. I asked him if he was a good person. He said he was so I asked him if I could put that statement to the test. He gave me permission to proceed with the questioning. We went through several steps from Way of the Master soul winning techniques. Unfortunately, he did not pass the test. With this information, we were able to get him lost first and then follow through with a solution to His eternal destiny using the Romans Road. After understanding that his sinful condition didn't pass muster and that his own goodness wasn't what gets him to heaven, we presented the gospel and the need for him to accept God's gift of eternal life.
Tony admitted he was a sinner and wanted to turn from his current condition. His faith and personal belief in Jesus dying for him, was buried and that God raised Him from the grave on the third day was his salvation moment. He repented for his sins, and asked Jesus to be the Lord and Savior of his life, he prayed the sinner's prayer and was gloriously saved. Tony began to put all his trust in the Lord Jesus.
The experience was over the top as we witnessed a man go from thoughts of misery to a smiling, standing up straight posture, more elated disposition. Tony looked different after accepting Jesus into his life. What a privilege to have had the rare opportunity to lead a man to Christ.
Pray for Tony as we begin to minister to him. Devon gave him a bible with his new birth date inside and instructions to read the book of John. Tony wants to come to church and made that desire known to us.
Red Tape
Teresa Brazell has been working extra hard to get all kinds of documents and procedures out of the way for Journey to get the tax I.D. and to get incorporated. She has also been instrumental in typing up the by-laws to be reviewed by officers of Journey Baptist. Talk about someone who can juggle 10 balls at a time! First Baptist Church of Lexington Cindy Oswald, Evans Jones have also been working hard to get the church up and running. All of their labor is coming together for Journey to be established as a religious organization. Canvassing
Devon Shelton taxied Pastor Hector around for more than six hours on Tuesday to get a house count in different neighborhoods. A big thank you goes to Devon for being there and willing to get in the trenches to see this baby church get off the ground.
Speaking of houses, we will need approximately 50 people to help canvass neighborhoods on Saturday August 14 from 9 AM until 12 noon. Maps and flyers will be ready for pick-up as people arrive to participate. We will meet at the church at 636 Pine Ridge Drive suite D, West Columbia, SC 29172.
Hector Rodriguez, Pastor
Journey Baptist Church
636 Pine Ridge Dr., Suites A, B & D
West Columbia, SC 29172
803.447.7339
E-mail: hrodriguez2sc.rr.com
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