Conway pastor returns from Russia

By Scott McAbee - bio | email

CONWAY, SC (WMBF) - Pastor Phillip Miles from Conway is back home after spending five months in a Russian Prison. Miles was sentenced to three years and two months in prison after Russian Police found hunting ammunition in his suitcase.

"You're trying to prepare for the worst. That night after the verdict was a very tough night, but I heard God saying, 'Phillip I've been good to you for 57 years I need you take a little adversity now,'" said Miles, pastor at Christ Community Church.

More than 500 church members showed up at a homecoming party for Pastor Miles Friday. A line of people wrapped around the room to greet him. Miles spent hours to greet every member. He said he was impressed with the church's growth while he was gone.

"I am just blown away by these people they have risen to the top and stepped up in a very massive way," he explained.

Pastor Miles' son was at the celebration and recounts what it was like to wait for news about his father while he was in prison.

"We never knew the outcome. We had to wait and hear it on the news," said Justin Miles.

Justin Miles said having to face the church members with little knowledge made the waiting process much worse.

"It was tough because you had people asking you a thousand questions and you never knew what to say," he said.

Pastor Miles said he will use his experience in prison to grow in his ministry.

"It really helped me as a minister to reconnect with God in a deeper way," said Pastor Miles.

Pastor Miles will return to the pulpit this Sunday for his first sermon in six months. He is expected to tell the congregation about his experience in Russia. Christ Community Church is located in Conway on Highway 501.

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