Dennis J. Harry Sr., D.D.
Georgene Harry
Ministering to the military in Charleston, South Carolina

106 Camellia Road
Goose Creek, South Carolina 29445
(843) 797-6746
E-mail: dharry.charleston@juno.com

Acts 4:12 "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."

2 Timothy 2:2 "And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also."

We are Dennis and Georgene Harry. We were both saved while in the Navy and stationed in Charleston, SC. I resigned from the Navy to attend Bible school and after graduation, God called us to Charleston to work with the military stationed here.

We have been in Charleston, S.C. since 1985 ministering to the servicemen and women stationed at the many military facilities located in this area.

Our ministry has many different aspects. Each week I conduct a Bible Study at the Naval Consolidated Brig. At present there are about 20-25 men who are involved in this study. Additional ministry opportunities at the Brig include: individual counseling with the men; preaching the Sunday service in the Chaplain’s absence; and the Lighthouse Servicemen’s Bible Institute which was started in 2000. We have seen God bless these various ministries at the Brig resulting in many of these men being saved, surrendering to the Lord’s will for their life, and going on to be faithful witnesses for the Lord and many have gone on to Bible college after their release. At present there are over 20 men enrolled in the Institute. Not only is this course of study offered here, but also as the inmates are released or transferred, I continue the Institute classes with them through correspondence. I also have inmates enrolled in other Brigs across the country.

The one area most affected by increased security is the Air Force Base ministry. Years ago I could go into the barracks witnessing and inviting airmen out to Church services and to the various activities that we have. The First Sergeant closely monitors who visits in the barracks, but because of my status as a missionary, I was given reasonable access to the barracks. I have seen drunks and blasphemers saved as God worked in their hearts. Security is so tight now that I only have very limited access to the barracks.

Where some doors have been tightened, other military facility contacts are more accessible than ever. We are involved in visiting and ministering in the Menriv Military housing area. We have been able to go into the housing area and visit door-to-door and have seen God work in the lives of these young couples. Many have needed counseling and whether at their home or ours, Georgene and I endeavor to meet their need through God’s Word and godly counsel. We are able to make appointments to meet with them at any time. Many years ago you would not have convinced me of the hardship of their work and study schedule, but, in today’s military their time is not their own.

When the main Navy base closed here in 1995, the Navy moved the Navy Nuclear Power School to Charleston from Orlando, Florida. It is just a few minutes from our home. This school trains the top Navy personnel in the nuclear power fields. It brings in 3000-4000 young men and women each year. The Navy makes it easy to spot these young 18-20 year olds. They must wear their uniform off base for the first 4-6 weeks and are not allowed to drive, so they must ride a shuttle bus to the local mall. We reach out to them by befriending them, providing transportation to our local church and by having them over to our home for Sunday dinner. It is here that many are dealt with individually and many have been saved. Other students are brought to our attention by various friends and family who contact us asking us to minister to their loved ones stationed here in Charleston. As we reach these servicemen and women with the Gospel, we then take them to our local Church where they are baptized and discipled and many become active in various ministries of the Church.

Because of the experience gained during my 10 years in the Navy, Georgene and I know what these young men and women are going through. Because the ministry is our only focus we are able to dedicate the time needed to meet the needs here. This is the work the Lord has called us to and we do not plan on leaving here until the Lord is through with us.

Our Home Church:
Northside Baptist Church
7800 Northside Drive
North Charleston, SC 29420

Our Mission Board:
BMFP
P.O. Box 37043
Jacksonville, FL 32236