METTER — The Guido Evangelistic Association hosted its annual “Gathering” dinner last month at the Hamstra Worship Center to thank supporters of the ministry.
    Nestled just a couple of blocks from heart of downtown Metter, the beautiful Guido Gardens and Sower Ministries have beckoned and blessed people from all across the globe.
    Dr. Michael Guido and his wife, Audrey, started the Guido Evangelistic Association in 1957 and spent time as traveling evangelists before that.
    Guido shared with a reporter once, “Whenever we need anything — anything at all, we ask the Lord for it.”
    Those answers to prayers led to a radio ministry of short, daily inspirational spots, called “Seeds from the Sower”; the first one-minute inspirational spots for television, called ‘” Seed for the Garden of Your Heart”; weekly newspaper columns; radio and television spots on the American Forces Network; devotional materials mailed regularly to tens of thousands; and many sought-after speaking engagements.
    Guido Gardens, dedicated in 1974, was established for his television ministry, and many visitors travel to Metter each year at Christmas to view the spectacular Nights of Lights celebration. As always, admission is free.
    Michael’s brother, Larry, joined the ministry in 2007, along with his wife, Mary. With the death of Michael Guido and Audrey, Larry and Mary Guido assumed additional roles and continue to ministry worldwide. 
    Now housed on campus is the Guido Bible Institute. It began in 2007 as the Michael Guido School of Evangelism, part of Brewton-Parker College, and in 2010, became the Guido Bible Institute. The institute offers the Certificate in Biblical Studies, the Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies and the Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies.
    The Rev. Bill Coen, the minister of music at Statesboro First Baptist Church, provided the program for the Gathering with inspirational hymns, contemporary music and even a couple of ditties with guitar and piano as accompaniment.
    Involved in music ministry since 1964, Coen plans to retire next year. Larry Guido praised him for the many things he’s done for the Guido ministry, as well as for the community.
    “I’m so honored,” Coen said after the introduction. “I love this ministry and all that you do. It’s a joy to serve the Lord.”
    Besides the heart-warming music, guests were treated to palate-pleasing nourishment. Ellis Wood and his elite team of “BBQ Buddies” provided, in the words of Larry Guido, “lip-smacking, mouth-watering, mind-numbing culinary delights.”