Laila and I moved to Virginia in the Fall of 1972. Ministry reports were to Roanoke for more than fifty-one years.

May of 1973 we accepted responsibility for what is now Church of All Nations in Wytheville, VA. The church was unofficially closed. No functional restrooms. One cinderblock room on a stigmatized side of the town of 6,000. It was the last community to get indoor plumbing for bathrooms.

I completed my M.A. at The College of William and Mary. AB M.H. Kennedy appointed me as head of education in Virginia. We enrolled more than 500 people in college-level courses in 13 institutes. Laila completed her M.A. at Radford University.

In '76 the church purchased property across from the golf course on Route 11. A first-phase building was completed. In our 5th year leading the congregation, we received our first full check, though it did not include housing, insurance, or employer's part of social security.

I became burdened for pastors. Laila and I both are PK's. In prayer at campmeeting in Roanoke in 1978, the Holy Spirit called for Laila and me to both enroll in doctoral programs at Virginia Tech. We were preparing to minister to ministers. Laila graduated from Virginia Tech. I transferred and graduated from the University of Virginia.

While in graduate school, doors had opened for me to work with immigration. I became a registered lobbyist and was part of the team with the Siberian Seven Pentecostals. Worked with the State Department. Was a consultant to the formation of the Church of God cross-cultural department, writing the proposal.

Laila and I were sure that our future would be in Moscow, Paris, London, Rome, et. al. God had other plans. Every door closed.

Dr. S.H. Landreth, Charlottesville, asked us to succeed him. Bishop Ratchford was reluctant, but agreed that with a 100% vote he would approve.

The morning after the vote we moved into an apartment connected to a 6,000 sf first-phase building. There were five of us in two bedrooms. Compensation was $300 per week.

The next 39 years were more fulfilling than can be put into words. Our building footprint grew. We became transcultural---more than 20 nations. Missions was a passion with weekly emphasis. Community involvement earned Covenant great respect. I did a radio program for eight years.

Youth Board, State Council, special committees, and being appointed to the Board of Trustees of the Pentecostal Theological Seminary (still serving) and more.

The real treasures we carry are friendships and peer relationships that have enriched our lives beyond all expectations. We established a non-profit [Encouraging the Saints] and now travel nationally with free consultation to pastors and churches.

We moved to our new home in Cleveland, Tennessee, January 2023. We are and will forever be grateful for the privilege of serving in Virginia. With gratitude to all fellow ministers who served in Virginia during our tenure and encouraged us in the process. We are deeply indebted.

I Thessalonians 5:11.

Dr. Harold Bare
DrHaroldBare@gmail.com           434-953-9065
Lailajb@gmail.com                        434-953-9067
PO Box 4912
Cleveland, TN 37320

A Cherished Heritage---- by Dr. Harold Bare