I have been privileged to pastor the Mt. Sinai AME Church, in Bradley, SC since October, 1999. We are a small, rural church but with heaps of potential. Since my arrival, two people have joined the church and two people were baptized. My presiding elder, who is a product of this church, says that the church has not seen this kind of growth (from outside of family members) in 40 years. The church's rolls have increased by 30%, attendance by 30%, and giving by 30%. The Lord's name be praised!

My area of prayer concern is that of our new fellowship hall. We are in process of building a fellowship hall to the existing structure. Mt. Sinai seats close to 300 people but does not have a place to eat and fellowship. We use a small annex room to serve meals but we are tired of being cramped up. We were turned down for a loan; however, we have not given up or given up hope. Just Saturday, the stewards and trustees pledged over $4000 dollars to assist us with accruing $15,000 in our building fund and to go back to the bank to get a loan. For the month of April, we have been on a church-wide fasting and praying drive for the project. We are believing God for the miraculous, the supernatural, and the unexpected, which has been our conference theme, "Expect the Unexpected!"

I am not asking for money although we will not turn money down. I do ask for the prayers of the AME Connection as we too, are, have been and will be praying for the project. All fervant prayers from God's righteous people will bombard heaven in such as way as to open up the windows of heaven and pour us out a blessing we will not have room to receive. WILL YOU PRAY WITH US?

PS: On May 11, 2002, at 10 AM, I will be graduating from the Interdenominational Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree with a concentration in Church Administration and Leadership! The storm is passing over HALLELUJAH!!

-- Anonymous, May 01, 2002

Answers

Congratulations Rev. Hill on your academic achievement. I am so proud of you. Thank you for never giving up and trusting in the Lord. We at St. paul community a.m.e will be praying for your church. Keep us posted about the fellowship hall, God bless!!!!

-- Anonymous, May 01, 2002

Congratulations on your M.Div and your addition to your church -- May God continue to bless and Keep you and your church family.

-- Anonymous, May 02, 2002

Rev. Hill, be encouraged in your ministry. God has already opened up a way for your church to be blessed. Praise God for your higher preparation in the work of the Lord. Holy Trinity AME Church Rock Hall, Maryland will be praying with you and for you. God will hold back no good thing. Be blesed.

Your Sister in the Struggle,

-- Anonymous, May 02, 2002

We praise God for what he is going to do through you at this time. You have a mission before you, that is why God has sent you to this congregation. Develop a strong stewardship focus, tithing vs fund raising. All too often we can easily get caught up in fundraising for a project that we forget the essentials of evangelism and outreach. Pray to God for other purposes to expand your building. Do you have a 501c3? If not consider one, to establish a community center and obtain your financing through grants to operate a faith-based ministry. Expand the facility for more purposes than eating. The black church all too often has focused too much on feeding the stomach and not the mind, heart and spirit. May God be with you. I would suggest to you to read the book: Living Like Jesus by Ronald J. Sider Blessings my brother

-- Anonymous, May 03, 2002

Dear Rev.MD Hill

Congratulations with your Academic achievement. May you and your ministry grow from strenght to strenght. Remember, I will always pray for you and your church, not forgetting your family.

Rev. William C Legolie, II

-- Anonymous, May 03, 2002

Rev. Hill:

I visit the state of SC (my wife's family)on a regular basis. If you email me the exact location of your church, as well as what "big" SC city your church borders, I can plan a visit. I would be interested in fellowshipping with you and your congregation. QED

-- Anonymous, May 03, 2002

Myron:

First, Congrats on graduating from ITC. I know it has been a long enjoyable journey. I have two more years here so pray my strength. I am glad that we got to know each other a little better this semester. I pray God's choicest Blessings on you as you lead Mt. Sinai to new heights in Christ. If there is anything I can do to help you, brother I will. We are on this journey together. I thank you for your dedication to this journey and this Zion that we labor in for the cause. God Bless you and Keep you is our prayer.

Minister Sinclair Forbes Turner Theological Seminary

-- Anonymous, May 03, 2002