Courtney Herod
Courtney Herod
Courtney Herod
The Sandhills Company in Carthage, N.C., celebrated a significant milestone on April 6, 2025, as members gathered to break ground on their first church building. The ceremony marked the culmination of nearly a decade of prayer, evangelism, and community engagement.
The church plant began in July 2016, when 13 members stepped out in faith from their mother church in Pittsboro to establish a new congregation in the Sandhills region. Since that time, the group has remained steadfast in its mission to share the Gospel, conducting more than 100 It Is Written Bible studies, hosting an evangelistic series, and distributing The Great Controversy in partnership with Streams of Light International.
Their dedication has borne fruit. The congregation has grown to 35 members, and celebrated two baptisms and two professions of faith. In 2021, the group purchased 10 acres of land in Carthage — debt-free — demonstrating their commitment and long-term vision for ministry in the region.
“God has truly led every step of the way,” said Robert Nunnaley, head elder and lay leader. “We are excited to see this dream becoming a reality.”
Currently, the Sandhills Company worships in a rented church facility in Carthage while continuing outreach and evangelistic efforts in the surrounding communities.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Leslie Louis, Carolina Conference president; Rick Russell, Carolina Conference executive secretary; and Rob Welch, pastor and the congregation’s spiritual leader. Local leaders and members gathered to offer prayers of dedication for the land, and the future building that will serve as a center for worship, fellowship, and community service.
The event stands as a testament to the power of lay-led ministry and God’s faithfulness to growing churches. As the Sandhills Company looks ahead to the construction of their new sanctuary, members remain focused on their core mission: to reach their neighbors with the love and message of Jesus Christ.
“We’re not just building a church, we’re building a lighthouse for the Kingdom,” said Welch.
Carolina | July 2025


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