A Retirement Tribute to Fred and Sondra Andrews

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This month, Fred and Sondra Andrews retired from vocational ministry after serving Alive Wesleyan Church (Central, SC) since 1977. Before this, they were Wesleyan missionaries in Sierra Leone, Africa. 

For the first 30 years at Alive (formerly known as First Wesleyan Church), Fred was the senior pastor -- and then, in a gesture of tremendous grace and humility, stepped aside, handing the reigns of leadership to a younger visionary, Tom Harding.  Since then, Pastor Fred and Sonnie have provided exceptional pastoral care for the congregation, shepherding the flock (especially the traditional service and long tenured members) in manner that looks much like Jesus. 

The explosive and exponential attendance growth Alive Wesleyan Church experienced would never have occurred without the wholehearted support of this beautiful couple. They have demonstrated a Christlike spirit through difficult transitions and joyful hope that believes the best.  Fred and Sonnie stand as shining examples for the rest of us of what it means to love others well. 

This remarkable couple should not have to wait until heaven to hear, "well done, good and faithful servants."

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