When I moved to Virginia, I was determined to find a church home where I felt like I could really belong. I wanted more than just to be a member. I had certain things that I was looking for and I attended and joined a few churches in hopes of finding those things. I was fortunate that I had many options, many great leaders, and many ministries that were outstanding but I hadn’t found that ‘thing’ I was looking for in a HOME. I was invited by a friend to attend a small church not far from where I lived. The congregation actually met in a party room of a bowling alley prior to moving into the current location. I was totally unsure what to think when I’d hear the clash of a bowling ball knocking over pins in the middle of a prayer or the smell of popcorn migrating from the food court. I’d been a member of many churches, several of which were mega churches, so I wasn’t sure if this small church could give me what I was looking for. I visited this church several times and then it clicked. This was the place for me. I realized that what I was missing was a sense of recognition. Not in the sense that I wanted to be known, but in a sense that I wanted to be held accountable. If I am out for too many Sundays (due to business or photography travel) is there someone that will check to see if I am okay. Is someone making sure that I am studying my Bible. I never had that before because I was one of many thousands in the membership…I was a number and I couldn’t figure out how to become a name. What made this experience different was my soon-to-be pastor took a genuine interest in wanting to know his flock, their talents, their interests and their struggles. He is approachable! So in 2010…in the party room of the bowling alley, I found my home- New Vision Kingdom of God Ministries!
Below are some photos of my Pastor, First Lady and their family- The Anderson Family. Enjoy!