In The Beginning...

   Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, New Life Fellowship Church was established in November of 1993. Seventy-four people were in attendance at the first meeting at the restored Western Auto site in Oakwood, Virginia. 
   Under God's direction, Pastors Jerry and Olivia Wilson and a small group of people began a work to help those that were hurting. Shoeboxes were prepared and shipped to Romanian children. Shut-ins were fed at Thanksgiving. Silver dollars would be given to poor children to come to Sunday school.  
   There were those who thought the storefront was a restaurant and would venture in leaving filled with God's blessing. A New York truck driver had been away from home 24 days and was delivering his load to United Supply. He came in to a restaurant, he thought, but would leave a born again Christian. A hitchhiker looking for work to pay for a meal was fed and journeyed on. A couple arguing stopping at the red light, thought it was a counseling service and left with marriages restored. 
   Over 200 souls would come to know Christ in the church's 10-year life. "God birthed the vision within my heart, says Pastor Jerry, and with the support of my wife Olivia, as a minister, and a fantastic group of people, we have had the blessings of the Lord Jesus Christ daily."
   God held the property, which had been vacant for years, for this small band of believers. Pastor Jerry had played ball on the church site as a child. The congregation purchased the property with a savings of seven years and the men of the church built the basement. 
   On the fifth attempt to dig the footer in one location that was entrenched with blue mud, Pastor Jerry prayed for God's help, telling God he could not dig it out one more time. That night fifteen of the church's men brought in lights and dug, working until midnight. Footers were in place at daybreak, when a hard rain came.

   Upon entering the church, and having its first Homecoming it would also experience its first infant death, little Chloe, Pastor Olivia's niece. God would send encouragement though with special friends who picked up pop cans for building fund offerings and courageous people who had a mind to work. 
   "The vision God gave could have never come to pass without Him, my wife, family, church members, businesses, neighbors and friends," says Pastor Jerry. We have witnessed many souls coming to the Lord. We are a full gospel church with a mixture of people from all denominations. Our county is blessed because of our strong churches, schools and homes.
   Recording artist and public school teacher, Rebecca Reynolds, from Kingsport, Tenn. from AsOne Ministries visited an Easter Drama here at New Life Fellowship and later wrote this letter to the church family. It best summarizes what God has done in Buchanan County at New Life Fellowship.

   We were touched and impressed by many things we saw the night we attended the program. Our first impression came from a gentleman with your church who stood in the parking lot and directed us to a good parking space. This was not a "Job" to which he was assigned. He simply noticed our attempt to park as he was entering the church and took time to help us. He then waited for us and accompanied us into the church with a kind welcoming manner. 
   Upon entering the church we were immediately greeted by several smiling faces welcoming us with sincere excitement. We noticed that each person entering the church was receiving this cordial welcome. Another individual entered the sanctuary with us and helped us find a seat in a large crowd.
   My husband took our son to the nursery for a few minutes during the program. One of the ladies with the drama cast saw him and stepped into the nursery to ask if he and our son needed anything. She welcomed him to use the nursery as long as desired and told him to let her or another member of the cast know if he and our son needed anything.
   The program itself was incredible. The acting was excellent and the costumes and props were of professional stature. I believe that the scenes portrayed in this program are still replaying in the minds and hearts of many people and seeds were powerfully planted into their lives. 
   At the conclusion of the program, we were again met with warm smiles as we left the sanctuary. Several members of the cast and other members of your church family were thanking people for coming and inviting them to be with your church family any time possible. On our drive home, we discussed the amazing level of hospitality found in your church.
  Many churches have wonderful programs and ministry events. However, the greatest event can be hindered if there is a cold, unfriendly atmosphere before and after the program. I never want to lose sight of the important ministry, which takes place in the parking lot and foyer of the church. We want to express our joy in with the opportunity to witness such powerful ministry both outside and inside of your beautiful sanctuary."
                                                                          In His Service, Rebecca Reynolds

   Our services are Sunday morning from 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Bible Study Wednesday nights at 7:00 p.m. and Prayer Saturdays at 7:00 p.m. If you don't have a church home please come visit us. We would love to worship with you.
                                                                          Pastors Jerry and Olivia Wilson