Students invited to revival

The first day of the Columbia County school year isn't until mid-August, but an Evans church is helping students start out on the right foot.

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Gospel Water Branch Baptist Church, on Furys Ferry Road, will play host to a Back to School Revival at 7 p.m. this Monday through Wednesday. Revival chairwoman Sharon Turman said the services will help teach pupils to be future leaders.

The revival will stress the importance of generosity and faith, she said. One of the goals of the revival also will be to give back to the community.

"We're encouraging our youth to donate (school) supplies which they will distribute in the community," Turman said.

Turman said the revival goes with the church's theme: "Leaders of yesterday, today and tomorrow; passing on the torch, and paving the way for those that come behind us."

Special guest pastor, the Rev. Terrence Albritton of Elizabeth Baptist Church, in Atlanta, will lead each night's sermon.

Youths also will receive personal challenges from three guest educators.

Gwen Nipple, assistant principal of Thomson Elementary School, will speak to the younger grades Monday. She will be followed by Evans Middle principal Michael Johnson on Tuesday and J. Strom Thurmond High Principal Greg Thompson on Wednesday.

For more information, contact the church at (706) 860-7091 or visit www.gospelwater.org.