Courtney Herod
Courtney Herod
Courtney Herod
“Thus far the Lord has helped us!” 1 Samuel 7:12.
The Spartanburg Spanish Church in South Carolina recently marked a significant milestone: the burning of its mortgage. Members, friends, and Carolina Conference representatives gathered to give thanks for this major achievement. The church is now debt free, a result of God’s provision and the generosity of dedicated members and friends.
The celebration featured uplifting music from the group Voice of Praise; a message by Victor Jaeger, Hispanic ministries volunteer lay pastor and coordinator for the Carolina Conference; and a historic mortgage burning ceremony led by Rick Russell, Carolina Conference vice president for finance. He was joined by Frank Montenat, head elder; Doris Samayoa, former treasurer; and Rafael Pagán, current treasurer.
The Spartanburg Spanish-speaking congregation began in 1989, when a small group of Hispanic families united with a desire to worship in their native language and share the light of Christ. Initially meeting in a room at the Spartanburg English-speaking Church, the group moved to larger spaces as it grew. In 2001, the group was officially organized as a church under the leadership of Carlos Molina, pastor. With more than 150 members regularly worshiping in a space built for 120, the need for a new facility became evident.
In 2002, guided by the Holy Spirit, Frank Montenat, director of the Pro- Temple Committee, visited a 12-acre property in Inman. Though the land was not for sale, God moved the hearts of the owners, who agreed to sell it to the church. Construction followed, culminating in a groundbreaking ceremony on August 19, 2006, and joyous dedication of the new building on August 8, 2007.
The original mortgage totaled $700,000, structured over 20 years. By early 2024, only $80,000 remained. The church launched the “Nehemiah Project,” inspired by the biblical story of Jerusalem’s rebuilding. Members were encouraged to contribute $1,000 per symbolic “brick” toward retiring the debt. Each Sabbath, members committed to building the wall brick by brick, and the wall rose steadily.
The goal was set for Sabbath, November 30, 2024. After the service that day, only $3,000 was still needed. As sunset neared and hope dimmed, an unexpected $3,500 electronic donation arrived from a friend of the church. This gift completed the project and even allowed for a contribution toward future expansion. Praise be to God for His faithfulness!
The Spartanburg Spanish Church rejoices in God’s abundant blessings and looks ahead with confidence. The congregation trusts that His love, power, and grace will continue to guide its ministry so the light of Christ may shine even more brightly throughout the Spartanburg community.
Carolina | September 2025
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