Named after the most powerful native tribe of the area in the late 17th century, Yemassee is located just north of the city of Beaufort. The town is divided by the county line between Beaufort and Hampton Counties. It is also very near the borders of Colleton and Jasper Counties.

Nestled in the heartland of Jasper County, Beaver Dam Baptist Church bustles with the excitement that comes from calling a new pastor. Mike Richard, former music leader at Okatee Baptist Church, accepted Beaver Dam's call to serve in April 2008.

For the first time in more than 12 years, Bluffton First Baptist Church found itself without a pastor. They worried whether people would leave and whether they could make mortgage payments on their new facility as the economy tightened. How could they follow God without a shepherd to lead them? Yet, the congregation stills seeks to move forward and has been helped along through the leadership of its existing staff.