The Little Church that Could: A Miracle Story

It was a Sabbath like no other for the members of the Shannon Seventh-day Adventist Church in Shannon, North Carolina. This small town, just south of Fayetteville, witnessed a momentous occasion on Sabbath, February 8, as its faithful Spanish-speaking believers officially organized as a church under the Carolina Conference.

The singing group Alabanzas al Cordero, (Praises to the Lamb), from the St. Paul Hispanic Adventist church provided special music.

Their journey began during the pandemic when ten humble individuals—field and construction workers—gathered around a table to pray for God’s guidance in growing a church. They worshiped and prayed throughout the day, and by the end of their gathering, they had collected $2,800.

With those funds, they purchased a large tent, chairs, and materials to reinforce the structure. They built a platform, bought Bibles and literature, and on Friday evening, July 16, 2021, held their first service in what became known as their “Tent Church.”

Through hot summer days and bitter winter months, they continued to worship in their makeshift church. Despite their efforts, securing a rental space in Shannon proved nearly impossible. Then, in October 2022, Hurricane Ian swept through, destroying nearly everything—except, as church member Marilyn Nater recalls, their “humble platform that was built for us

to preach.” Amazingly, the same week they lost their tent, they found a new meeting place in a member’s home.

“The Holy Spirit worked in so many hearts, and without us even asking, we started receiving

love offerings and donations from brothers and sisters, friends, and district churches,” Marilyn shared.

Elder Rick Russell, Carolina Conference VP of Finance, presents a special plaque to Pastor Josue Cruz, Shannon Spanish Church pastor.

Through community events, door-todoor literature distribution, and simple invitations to worship, their congregation continued to grow. Before long, they were able to purchase four acres of land. Then, on February 24, 2024, Elder Richard Russell, Carolina Conference

Treasurer, joined them as they broke ground for their new church.

“What began in 2021 as a small group of ten faithful worshipers gathered around a table has now grown into a thriving congregation of 60 members. Their mission is clear—to be a beacon of light to the cities of Shannon, Lumber Ridge, and Hope Mills. Yet, they

are the first to proclaim, ‘All the credit goes to Almighty God.’ They truly are ‘The Little Church That Could.’”

—by Ron Quick (article and photos)