About 4 years ago, the Lord laid the Allendale community and a small group of Assembly of God believers on the hearts of Terry Carter, then Home Missions Director, and those who served on the Home Mission Action Team.The South Carolina District Presbyters designated the town of Allendale to be the focus of Home Missions for the churches in South Carolina. We believed that God had a divine plan for this church and that He would provide the funds to build a building that would bring glory to God and be a light in the midst of darkness.
While the town of Allendale is showing signs of revitalization, Allendale County is among the poorest in the state.The area has a large population of single Moms and many children who need to be nurtured, both physically and spiritually. Teenage pregnancy is the highest in the state. Very few jobs exist for the uneducated. The school district was brought under the State Education Dept. because of poor performance. The school dropout rate is extremely high. Amidst the poverty, drug and alcohol abuse abounds. Allendale is truly a mission field at our door. Two neighboring counties have no Assemblies of God church. We need a vibrant, Pentecostal witness reaching out to the hurting, the hungry and the lost.
Allendale needs help in many areas. The greatest need is for spiritual renewal. We recognize that the answer to the problems will not be found in government assistance or other human endeavors. The answer lies in Jesus Christ and His power to change lives. Our goal is to construct a building that will be used by Allendale Community Church to effectively minister to children, teen-agers, single Moms and entire families.
Pastor Willie Elmore gives full time to the ministry and serves on several community boards and committees. He grew up in Allendale and has a burden and a passion to see his community changed by the power and presence of God. He has a heart for the children of Allendale who have little or no spiritual influence in their lives. He believes if we can win children and youth to Christ and teach them the Word of God, the future of Allendale can be changed.
The building where the church presently meets is in terrible shape, making it difficult to invite people to church. Water continues to run in at floor level and through the tin roof, causing children to stand in water. In spite of this, Pastor Willie and the congregation continue to reach out to those in need.
About 4 years ago, The SC District purchased four acres on Main Street (HWY 301), one-half block from City Hall. During the past four years, we have faced many challenges in getting the building started. It has been obvious that Satan does not want this church built. However, God has helped us overcome every difficulty. And finally on June 7, 2007, the concrete slab for a 5,000 sq. ft. building was poured at a cost of $50,000. Our next challenge is to begin the framing. God has provided in miraculous ways. An Architect in Columbia drew all the plans free of charge, the plumbing has been donated, Pella windows have been donated and the furnishings and equipment from a church that closed was donated to Allendale Community Church. We have installed 6 RV sites with full hookups for use by MAPS RV Volunteers. We also invite church teams to help us construct this building.
When need and opportunity arrive at the same time, God wants us to respond with faith.
We are totally dependent on God to provide the funds and donated labor needed to construct this building. It must be completed debt free for this congregation whose annual income is $12,000. We believe that God will do “abundantly more than we can think or ask.” We believe all things are possible to him who believes and with God, all things are possible.
We invite You to be part of a Miracle!
Terry Carter, Project Director
Offerings can be sent to the SC Ministries Resource Center, PO Box 402, Columbia, SC 29202 and designated for the Allendale Project.
Questions regarding work teams or individual help can be sent to: Terry Carter, 213 Cove Rd., Greenwood, SC 29646 or call: 864-554-0388.
