Voice & Viewpoint Newswire
Photos by Darrel Wheeler
Saturday, December 5th, 2020 marked another day of festivity at 1012 Derby Street. However, this time instead of celebrating the Groundbreaking of the Phase 1 Building Expansion Project, the occasion was called to commemorate the completion of that said project by way of a Virtual Ribbon Cutting & Open House.
While the COVID19 health crisis may have prevented the gathering of large numbers, there was definitely no lack of energy and excitement on this monumental occasion. Amongst the handful of guests socially distanced outside on the crisp, sunny San Diego morning, sat Fourth District City Council representative Monica Montgomery Steppe. Also present were a couple of GLC charter members, a family representative of the late pastor and founder, Rev. Willie E. Manley, and local Pastor Errick Gaffney of New Bethel Baptist Church. Leading the way through the Virtual Tour, was Mr. Adib Mahdi, CEO/President of King Mahdi Builders Inc. and head contractor of the expansion project.
“Today we cut the ribbon one of a three phase building expansion. We are very excited about the future, but this is the beginning,” Pastor Nate Stewart shared. “We’ve also done some inside renovation lighting, carpet, restrooms, chairs, sound and a new HVAC system. God has been good, we’re excited about next year, so we can start on phase two,” he added.
In September of 2017, Georgia native Pastor Nate Stewart received an unexpected call from the Lord to relocate his family and serve as the third Senior Pastor in the church’s 47+ year history. Since the transition, the church has experienced tremendous growth spiritually, numerically, and financially. The attendance, membership, and giving has skyrocketed and therefore prompted the need to provide adequate space to accommodate the growing partnership.
Even in the midst of a major pandemic, God continues to demonstrate the outpouring of His love, blessings, and Holy Spirit….which is nothing short of a miracle! Under Pastor Nate’s leadership, Greater Life Church is quickly becoming a diverse and multicultural ministry that seeks to impact the community, state, nation, and world on the next level, and to fulfill its mission of, “Loving and Leading People to a Greater Life.”
They are poised to break ground on Phase 2 of the Expansion Project in April 2021. Any donations to help fund this endeavor can be directed to the giving platforms provided on their website www.greaterlifesd.org.
