This past year has been a trying one for Pentecostals of Jonesboro, Pastor Ronald Harper as the church building has had several issues that required emergency repair. Through it all though, Brother Harper is thankful, realizing that sometimes it is only through adversity that you can realize just how fortunate you are.  

The problems began when the roof on the fellowship hall had to be replaced and several water heaters had to purchased due to the old ones no longer working. Many plumbing and electrical problems then surfaced and recently a water main alongside the sanctuary burst. Added to that, the sanctuary roof had been leaking for several years which Brother Harper was patching as needed, all with a church budget that was strapped from all the expenses that has occurred. 

For any normal person, situations like that could “test your faith”.

Not so with Brother Harper. He knew that his faith in God would not only see them through the problems but also bring about blessings from not only those who he knew but from other sources as well, such as the Jackson Parish Unity Team, which came to the aid of the church by donating funds for the roof replacement of sanctuary.

For all of the blessings, Brother Harper is very thankful. 

“My wife and I want to thank the members of the community in which God has placed us to serve. I was elected to serve as pastor over 10 years ago. We bought a home in Jonesboro in 2018 and we have made lots of friends in our community,” said Brother Harper. “I also want to say thanks for the support of our community for our fundraisers, support from local businesses and the support of many of the churches in the Jackson Parish Unity Team. We finally surpassed our monetary goal to have the roof replaced which we have done.”

Still work needs to be done as the ceiling tiles on the inside of the sanctuary needs to be replaced from the roof leaking. 

As Brother Harper said, “The lesson here is that you always will encounter problems but by remaining steadfast, your faith will see you through.”

Good words to live by!!!!