RENEWAL IN NORTH CAROLINA

Pastor's Roy and Cheryl Denton

Askewville Bethel Assembly and School

Last month, I had the privilege to minister at the Bethel Assembly in Askewville, NC., for four days. This church is located in eastern North Carolina, near Windsor.  It is pastored by a second generation Denton.  Roy O. Denton, Jr.  -- his father, Roy Sr. had pastored this church for many years on two occasions.

Roy Denton, Sr., his wife; Roy Denton Jr. and his wife

I could tell from the very first service that this was a very well grounded congregation.  The fruit of the labors of the Pastors was very evident.  The people were very responsive in worship and to the preaching of the Word.
I was received very well by the people, and as a result, God was able to do some very special things during the altar services.  In my travels all over the world, I note that wherever a congregation is responsive to the Word, they are equally receptive to the working of the Holy Spirit during times of prayer in the altars.  And yes, this church believed in having "altar services".  [That isn't always the case in every church today].

Bethel church is home to a large Christian school as well.  Pastor Denton, Jr. told me story after story of people who are active in the church now, who came up in the Christian school.  What a testimony to this church's vision and outreach in the community.

It should be noted that the influence of this church is felt all over the county.  Last year when a series of tornadoes came through eastern North Carolina, this community was hard hit.  I met people in the congregation who lost homes ... some in the community lost their lives.  The Pastor told me that whenever all of the area was without any electrical power, God caused Bethel's gym to have power --- and with a large kitchen - the congregation, working with other congregations, immediately began to help provide food for the community.  The devastation happened on a Saturday night -- that Sunday morning afterward, Bethel's people went into the community, beginning to reach out and help the clean-up work as well.

One of the most powerful things Pastor Denton shared with me was what the church is doing in their community even now.  During hunting season (deer), a lot of hunters only kill the deer for sport -- or they are a nuisance to the farmers - so some men from Bethel take the deer, clean them, then give the meat to needy families all over the county.

Now, that is what Christianity is all about -- helping the needy of your area!

My hats off to both Pastor Dentons (Senior and Junior) for making such a powerful impact on Bertie County, North Carolina.  I love this area, and look forward to returning in the near future to once again share the "good news" to these wonderful people.

Oh yeah - Bertie County is home to some of the best peanuts in the world!!