By Betsy Finklea
There were no shortage of surprises at Surprise Sunday at Lake View First Baptist Church on Sunday, January 31st.
The purpose of surprise Sunday is to glorify God as they celebrate his presence. It was their hope that this special worship service would motivate all who attended to be the very best they can be mentally, physically, and spiritually.
They day opened with the prelude and special singing by Ashlyn Hatcher.
Rev. Lyn Anderson said the past is gone, the future is not guaranteed, and this was a shining moment and they should take advantage of it.
A special prayer was said for George and Carol Edwards and for their work with the youth ministry. There was a prayer with Duane Nichols, the Lake View High School quarterback. All then released their hands up to God. All the members of the congregation who had ever been quarterbacks at Lake View High School were asked to stand.
Then Swampy, the Lake View High School gator mascot, was introduced. This was followed by the introduction of the Clemson Tiger mascot from Clemson University.
Two special presentations were made. Daryl King, the Lake View High School football coach, was called to the front, along with Mostiler Rogers, the manager for the Lake View High School football team for 40 years, and McKenzie Page of Pee Dee Academy. There was a balloon release. Footballs, autographed by Clemson University football coach Dabo Swinney, were presented to Rogers and Page.
The hymn, “Love Lifted Me” was then sung. The next surprise was country singer, Brandon Bailey. Brandon was the winner of the 2013 American Country Star Competition and the 2015 Reverbnation Battle of the Bands. He performed two songs. It was announced that he and his wife, Brooke, are planning to join Lake View First Baptist Church.
The congregation then sang the hymn, “When We All Get to Heaven.” This was followed by the offering prayer and the offering.
The Renfrow Family Choir, composed of members of the Renfrow family of all ages, sang two songs, “Amazing Grace: My Chains Are Gone” and “Worthy is the Lamb.” This performance was in memory of Jesse Ford and in honor of Isla Frances Ford.
Then Coach Timmy Renfrow, Clemson University football star, Hunter Renfrow, and Suzanne Renfrow were introduced. A clip of Hunter playing in the National Championship was shown.
In a question and answer type format led by Suzanne, Timmy Renfrow and Hunter Renfrow spoke about the importance of a Christ-centered life and the role it had played in their lives and success. It was also noted that Hunter’s broken hand was the result of a basketball accident at the home of Coach Dabo Swinney. Timmy Renfrow then asked questions of Suzanne.
After this dialogue, the Tiger and Gator returned. The First Baptist Youth and Adult choirs performed, “Let There Be Peace on Earth” was sung by the congregation. There was a benediction and blessing of the food. Everyone then enjoyed lunch.

PHOTOS BY BETSY FINKLEA/THE DILLON HERALD