James Scarborough, the new pastor of Modesto Central, had no plans to move his family from their home in Leominster, Mass., where he'd been pastor of the Fitchburg/Gardner District. In fact, he and wife Althea began negotiations to purchase a home until God stepped in.

"Everything was approved, but for some reason, when the time came to sign, the bank couldn't find our paperwork," says Scarborough. "They went through the process again and everything was set and when I was supposed to go in again, the paper work disappeared again."

They stopped pursuing that house and were free of obligations when Central California Conference extended an invitation to pastor in Modesto. "It was clear to us that God opened the doors," he said. "When we started to look at the potential of housing here, everything flowed through and the doors opened wide."

In November, Scarborough became senior pastor, joining with John Bell, associate pastor. A graduate of Caribbean Union College and Andrews University, Scarborough was born in St. Kits, an island in the Caribbean. He's pastored in the North Caribbean Conference and Southern New England Conference.

Whether leading out in evangelistic meetings, teaching training and growth seminars, building or remodeling churches or spearheading major debt reduction campaigns, his congregations have most appreciated his focus on their spiritual growth and outreach.

While God used housing as a way of getting his attention, Scarborough says he accepted the call because he found the church members enthusiastic and ready to do the work of becoming spiritual leaders in the community.

"In January, we instituted a ‘40 days of prayer and fasting' relay. Every day for 40 days, groups of members were assigned to pray and fast, asking God to give the church a clearer vision of ministry," he explains. "The church is very excited about that."

This followed a very successful Christmas Eve worship service where many members of the community were in the congregation. Scarborough has also scheduled a spiritual revival for May. "We are interested in our folks becoming passionate about their spiritual experience — to encourage ministry in small groups and need-oriented evangelism to the community."

He is joined in ministry by his wife, Althea and their two children. They are praising the Lord "that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).