From the Pastor at Trinity!

Where do I start or where do I begin? That's the question! Wow! What a way to celebrate one's spiritual birthday! Yes, 26 years ago, in March of 1980, I received Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. And no, I wasn't at church, nor did I see any bright lights. But to be sure, as I knelt down beside my bed and prayed the best prayer I knew to pray, my life began to change for the better. Needless to say, this was the most important decision I have ever made, and trust me, I have no regrets! Because such a decision has afforded me one blessing after the other, but be that as it may, never in my wildest dreams did I think that my profession of faith would one day take me from that little mobile home on Forts Pond Road in Pelion to the Holy Land.

"Welcome Home!" These were some of the first words that Jacob, our guide, spoke as we arrived in Israel. I must admit I had mixed emotions when I heard those words for the first time, especially after traveling 6000 miles from 1512 Cardinal Drive, West Columbia. Nevertheless, as time elapsed, I begin to understand that "welcome" and the fact that, according to the Bible, my spiritual and physical roots dated back thousands of years or more to this Holy Place. For you see, I believe that the Word of God confirms the fact that I and all the rest of the Christians throughout the world are the sons and daughters of Abraham and through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, we are "heirs and joint-heirs with Him" (Galatians 3:29, Romans 8:14-17, Ephesians 3:6).

Therefore, my trip to Israel was more than a continuing education experience. Above all else, it was an opportunity for me to connect with my family tree and the very ground upon which my faith is secured. As a result, I better understand and appreciate Alex Haley's quest or pilgrimage to trace his roots.

So, what am I trying to say? Honestly, I'm not quite sure, except for the fact that I am prouder than ever of my heritage as a Christian. This is all due to the fact that God used the thoughtfulness and generosity of the Knights Templar to afford me the privilege and honor to visit the very sites upon which Jesus, the Messiah, chose to fulfill His mission and ministry to save the world. And without a doubt, it was a "Homecoming" I'll never forget! And may each of you know how truly grateful I am of my beloved Trinity for your love and support of my quest to know Him and make Him known! I can't wait to see where the next 26 years will take me. Only the Lord knows for sure, but maybe the "New Jerusalem." Thanks be to God!

With Love, From Jesus,

Pastor David