Almost twenty years ago I went on a mission trip to Jamaica.  I know what you’re thinking…Jamaica…mission trip…yeah right.  But really, it was a mission trip; snorkeling was only slightly involved. On that trip was a guy from my Sunday school class, Wes.  Today he’s a pastor down in Columbia, SC and his dad runs a Spartanburg tradition: the Beacon.

The Beacon is a staple of Spartanburg culture and history.  Its greasy chili-cheese burgers, onion rings and icy cold sweet tea have been filling Southerners up (and out) for over 60 years.  It opened on Thanksgiving Day in 1946 and has kept going six days a week (closed on Sundays), 52 weeks per year, serving 1,000,000 customers yearly.

Not only is the Beacon good eats, but it’s a meeting place for the community. Posted along the walls are weekly high school football scores, ads for local businesses and schedules for monthly or bi-monthly Bible studies held right there in one of the dining rooms.

A few weeks ago I reconnected with Wes’s Dad while also reconnecting with a Chili Cheese A-Plenty (think giant hamburger covered in Texas chili and hidden beneath a pile of onion rings). I shared with him about the church and he said he wanted to help. He said he would let Calvary Spartanburg advertise at the Beacon, for free. He put me in touch with the man who hand paints every sign that goes up in the restaurant. Last week I saw it for the first time.

The New Sign at the Famous Beacon

If you live in the area or ever have the opportunity to visit the Beacon, swing by and take a look. It’s just opposite the main cash register.

God keeps blessing me with opportunities through old relationships like this. I guess there is something to be said for ministering where you grew up.