Bradenton Installs Pastor

Sabbath day, January 6, found me in Bradenton, FL, at the Bradenton SDB Church, a branch of the Daytona Beach SDB Church. We had gathered for the installation of the new Pastor, Michael Spearl.
Pastor Spearl was living in Bradenton 20+ years ago when he attended the SDB Branch Church there. Leland Bond was the Pastor then and Mike says that when he entered cautiously before the service, Pastor Leland came off the platform and rushed to the back of the worship area, grabbed him by the arm and said, "You are welcome here young man." Apparently Pastor Bond does not remember this but Mike does and says he has a witness.
I was privileged to be present and bring the morning message. There were over 40 in attendance with a large contingent being there from Daytona Beach. 1 Timothy 6:11-21, was the scripture for the day and we were encouraged to fight the good fight of faith, instruct and guard. Pastor Wray Winborne, from the Daytona Beach SDB Church, gave the charge to the candidate and many gathered after for a meal together.
Pastor Spearl is active in mission work in the Philippines as well as just beginning studies towards a Master of Divinity at Columbia International University. He had moved from Bradenton to Florida's East coast where he plugged into the Daytona Beach Church, becoming more active in the last few years. Now he has come full circle and is back in Bradenton. (For the record he grew up in Miami).

Pray for this group of faithful persons (some snowbirds) and for new ministry and growth. (Already there are two new regular attenders from the area).

Gordon