How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Romans 10:14-15
“It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known…” Romans 15:20
After much prayer, the churches of South Carolina are excited to announce our plans for planting a church in Myrtle Beach in the fall of 2013!
God wants every man and woman to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth (II Timothy 2:4). In that spirit, we ask you to join us in fervent prayer that the Holy Spirit opens a door for our message in this great city (Colossians 4:3). My wife Lisa and I have served on the staff of the Columbia Church of Christ for the past seven and a half years, and we are excited to embark upon a new spiritual adventure as we lead the Myrtle Beach planting!
There are 330,000 souls in Myrtle Beach and the surrounding area. The Myrtle Beach metro area is the ninth-fastest growing region in our nation, experiencing an astounding growth rate of 67% from 2000 to 2010. This is truly a booming region. These numbers do not even include the 15 million visitors who come annually to vacation on the Grand Strand’s 60 miles of beaches or play on the 120 golf courses found in the Golf Capital of the World. Coastal Carolina University (9,000 students) and neighboring Horry-Georgetown Technical College (5,000 students) are also growing steadily. People are moving to Myrtle Beach in search of happiness, peace and prosperity but as disciples we know that only the good news of God’s grace can truly satisfy thirsty souls.
The harvest is plentiful but workers are needed (Matthew 9:37). Over the next few months we will be interviewing potential workers and praying for guidance as we assemble the mission team. Being a team member on a church planting is not for everyone. It demands spiritual maturity and a passion for evangelism. If your heart is stirred by this calling, we encourage you to fast and pray for the Spirit’s leading and then discuss the idea with faithful leaders in your life who can help you consider whether this is the right path for you. If you are interested in learning more about the Myrtle Beach planting, please email us at reachmyrtlebeach@gmail.com. We look forward to getting to know you! Our first interest meeting will be held in Columbia, South Carolina at 12:30pm on Sunday, September 16 after church.
God willing, we will formally launch the church planting next fall. Whether you join the team or not, please pray for us. And if you have family members or loved ones in the Myrtle Beach area, we would love to connect with them. The harvest is ripe. Let’s get to work!
One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.”
Acts 18:9-11
