For most people at the age of 89 they look forward to their retirement and being able to spend more time with their family.  For Ernestine Rabon she looks forward to filling her day by doing what God has called her to do. 

Ms. Ernestine as they call her at Trinity Baptist Church in Lugoff has been involved in the start of three churches in the Lugoff community.  The first start that Ms. Ernestine was involved in was Lugoff First Baptist Church in the year of 1950.  Ms. Ernestine said, “Lugoff needed a Baptist Church, and the Rev. Paul Becker, pastor at Springvale Baptist Church also saw this need.”

“My husband and two other men decided that they would go on the bond to borrow the money, and Springvale Baptist Church said that they would sponsor us,” continued Rabon. 

Since then Rabon has been involved in the start of Lugoff Friendship Baptist Church in 1984, and Trinity Baptist Church in 1995. 

“I just rejoice to think about the things that I can remember and was a part of.  By seeing the churches grow and the people who have come to know the Lord through these churches,” stated Rabon.

Ms. Ernestine keeps herself very busy by taking part in the many ministries that Trinity Baptist Church has to offer. 

Patricia Young, the wMu Director of Trinity Baptist Church described Ms. Ernestine as a ‘truly remarkable person.’  “At 88 she is the oldest member of our WOM group and the only time she has missed a meeting is when she had to tend to a family member,” stated Young.

Ms. Ernestine wants to encourage others to be active in the starting of new churches.  Ms. Ernestine summed it up best with this, “Our community grows rapidly, and we need more churches because people need the Lord. With the way the world is going now, anytime somebody can be reached for the Lord I am happy.”

If you or your church would like to learn more about church planting please contact the Church Multiplication Group at (800) 723-7242 ext. 5800 or log on to www.scmultiply.org.