My New Ministry

It is with great excitement that I write today about my new ministry.

This past summer, I was privileged to get acquainted with New Calvary Baptist Church in my hometown of Sumter, South Carolina.  For a few weeks I did some interim preaching for them since they did not have a pastor at the time.  Eventually, talk began to take place about the possibility of them bringing me on board as their new pastor.  I was thrilled at the possibility, and so was the rest of my family.

We all took our time.  I had several weeks to get to know them.  And they had several weeks to get to know me.  We all had open talks about our lives, our hopes, and our dreams for the future.  The more we all talked, the more it became obvious that this was a good match.

Finally, on September 7 of this year, I was voted in as their new pastor.  Lara, the kids, and I were overwhelmed with joy at this opportunity.  Of course, I quickly accepted their call, and began serving there immediately.

New Calvary is a fantastic church.  The people are warm and loving.  They are full of grace.  And they are extremely positive and upbeat.  I am very happy to be a part of this fine church, and so are my wife and kids.

Here's another neat fact:  My late grandfather, Rev. Leon Richardson, served as the pastor of New Calvary from 1978 to 1981.  It's an honor to walk in Grandaddy's ministry footsteps.

My focus in this new ministry is very simple:  Visitation and preaching.  That's what the church needs, and that's what I enjoy.  So it suits me perfectly.

I'm happier and more at peace than I have been in years.  God has truly blessed me with this awesome opportunity.  And it feels good to be doing what I was put on this Earth to do.

Please pray for God to bless the good people of New Calvary Baptist Church, and please pray for God to lead me as I serve in this new role of ministry.

God is good and I am thankful.