Dr. Hughes is a native of Chicago, IL; Shirley is from Fairview, NC. They met while attending Bob Jones University. Marrying in 1970, they stayed in Greenville after their graduation to serve on the staff of Tabernacle Baptist Church. For almost a quarter of a century, they served under Dr. Harold B. Sightler in various capacities. At the time of Dr. Sightler's death, Dr. Hughes was senior member of his pastoral staff.
Dr. Hughes counts it a great blessing to have known Dr. Sightler as a pastor, instructor, co-laborer and friend. Dr. Sightler ordained Brother Hughes into the ministry in 1984. He bestowed on him an honorary doctorate degree in 1990, and he honored Brother Hughes by naming him as one of the speakers for his funeral service, which took place in 1995.
In 1997, Dr. Hughes followed the Lord's direction and anwered the call to pastor Third Street Baptist Church in Cordele, Georgia, where he pastored for seven years.
On June 13th he announced his resignation and his acceptance of God's call into evangelism and mission outreach full-time. July 18th. 2004, was his final Sunday at Third Street Baptist Church as pastor.
Please pray for Brother Hughes and Sister Shirley as they travel the highways for Jesus Christ.
Dr. Hughes says:
We are entering into a new "R.E.S.T."
My wife and I are excited about entering into a new "R.E.S.T." in the Lord.
- R - reaching souls for Christ
- E - encouraging saints in the Lord
- S - spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ
- T - trusting the hand of God to provide
"There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God."
"One of the greatest honors of my life was to be among the preachers who preached the funeral of my late pastor and friend, Dr. Harold B. Sightler."
"For the past seven years, God has given me the privilege of pastoring Third Street Baptist Church in Cordele, GA. Now, the Lord has burdened my heart for evangelism. Pray for us as we reach our to souls with the Gospel of Jesus Christ."