We can see things half-empty or half-full. When I came to Three Rivers two years ago there were a lot of great things going on here, but I never expected this to happen. “I’m seeing the Body of Christ serve one another and the love for our neighbor really coming out.

Perz likes seeing the generous spirit of his congregation. Some of the youth have begun helping with technical needs and behind-the-scenes servant leaders formed a cleaning team, while other members have worked together to organize preregistration and seat assignments for the worship services. Looking ahead, Three Rivers is focusing on Bible studies about unity and Perz is encouraged to see members serving in new ways during the pandemic. I believe this is happening and there’s encouragement in that,” Perz says. A friend prayed that the testimony of many would be that they found Jesus during this pandemic. This just creates new challenges to that. “Our mission is to glorify disciples locally and globally. Despite the obstacles COVID-19 has created, Three Rivers is moving forward.

Continued virtual prayer meetings have been a source of strength and connectivity for the church even as a portion of its membership has resumed in person worship services. Pastor Ryan Perz says Three Rivers Baptist in Irmo, like other churches, is learning to operate day-by-day and admits the difficulty in planning too far in the future. As CMBA member congregations look forward into the new church calendar year, what is the vision they expect to “see” and experience in the year 2021? Is it even possible to think about 2021 with any certainty? The year 2020 has brought some unforeseen events yet, with just under half the year left to go, there is still time for progress and adjusting the lens for clarity.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology defines “20/20 vision” as having normal visual acuity, or the clarity or sharpness of vision, measured at a distance of 20 feet away.

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