Columbia Worship Center
The Columbia Worship Center (CWC) is a branch within The Church of the Living God International, Inc. (CLGI) organization. CWC started as a Bible Study in the home of Mae Frances Gibson in March of 1995 under the leadership of Elder Francine Roach and District Superintendent, Elder Arlene Merriman. Elder Roach and Elder Merriman, both faithful members of True Victory CLGI, Sumter, SC would faithfully come to Mrs. Gibson's home every Wednesday evening, with their young children, and teach the Word of God. Also, in attendance of the Bible Study was Mrs. Gibson's daughters, Rhonda and Lisa Gibson, as well as a few of Mrs. Gibson's grandchildren and children from the neighborhood. A few months later, one of the Pastors of True Victory CLGI, Elder Gerry Merriman began teaching the Bible Study. His co-Pastor, Elder Delores Stovall also would come and teach a couple of Bible Studies as well. A few months later, in October 1995, Mrs. Gibson passed away. Because of the great Word that was taught in the Bible Study, Rhonda Gibson continued to allow the Elders to come teach the Bible Study. In March 1996, Rhonda GIbson received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues, when she visited the Pool of Bethesda CLGI, Columbus, Ohio during the anniversary celebration of the founder and presiding Bishop, Joseph White. On the first mother's day, May 1996, following the death of Mrs. Gibson, Rhonda decided to join the CLGI and became a member of True Victory . While at True Victory, Rhonda continue to grow in the word and the knowledge of God. She became a Minister in June 1999 as well as the Assistant Pastor of True Victory CLGI under the Pastoralship of Elder Delores Stovall, as Bishop Merriman left to start a church in another city. Throughout the ministry of Min. Gibson, she started many Bible Studies in her home. Her last Bible Study began in October 2011 following the September 2011 CLGI International Missions Conference where the theme for the CLGI that year was "Reaching the Unreachable and Recovering the Lost." At that time, Min. Gibson left that conference with the desire to reach and recover. She told her four sisters that there would be a Bible Study at their fathers's house(where the original Bible Study was started in 1995) every Saturday evening . Her sisters did not hesitate but immediately agreed. The Bible Study was faithfully attended by her 4 sisters,Lisa, Janie, Peggy and Betty; 2 nieces, LaToya and Ebony as well as their children. Because of the large number of children, the adult Bible Study moved to Min. Gibson's house. Her neighbor, Min. Melinda Miller and her niece, Exhorter Le'Tica Gibson, would teach the children at Min. Miller's house. Min Gibson was encouraged by Elder Stovall and many other Elders, Pastors, Ministers and members of the CLGI to start a church. It was the last day of the 2013 General Assembly of the CLGI when Bishop White was praying and laying hands on the Pastors and Elders of CLGI, Elder Stovall spotted Min. Gibson in the congregation and motioned for her to get in the prayer line. When Min. Gibson went into the prayer line, Bishop White gave her the confirmation word "Go find a building." He also stated "Allow the Lord to lead you and don't be afraid." Exactly 30 days later, the Lord lead Min. Gibson to her present location in Leesburg Plaza, 1314 Leesburg Road, Suite A, Columbia, SC 29209. She found that building, signed the lease agreement and started Columbia Worship Center, CLGI. The first service was on Sunday, September 8, 2013 with about 80-90 people in attendance with a large portion being supportive family members.