Before I lived in the DC area, I worked for the federal government in Louisville, KY. When the federal government, in its infinite wisdom, decided to close the office where I worked in 1994, I had a choice: transfer to either St. Louis or the DC area, or be laid off (RIFed, if you speak federal government). I chose to move to Reston, VA, to work.

During our house-hunting trip, Vicki and I visited several prospective homes with our real estate agents throughout northern Virginia. While we were in Herndon, stopping to get a drink at the 7-11 (now a Walgreens), I immediately noticed an impressive-looking stone church, which I later learned was First Baptist Church of Herndon. Little did I know then that I would be going there.

After purchasing a condo in Sterling, VA, and moving in, I started looking for a church to join. I had always attended church, whether in Kentucky, during college, graduate school, or living in Louisiana. In Northern Virginia, there were many churches available. However, I was disappointed to find that the churches I visited here felt distant. People would quickly come in, worship, and leave without greeting me. This left me feeling discouraged about finding a church that truly felt like home.

My experience changed when I decided to attend the impressive stone church in Herndon. Upon entering, I immediately felt welcomed by the people there. I sat through the service, enjoyed Reverend Ray Spears’ sermon, and afterward, many congregants greeted me and thanked me for coming. When I inquired about the choir, since I hadn’t seen one performing that week, Melissa Fox practically rushed over to speak with me. She assured me there was a choir and invited me to join them on Wednesday night, which I gladly accepted.

Not only were they singing anthems for the church, but they were also preparing for a Christmas program, and I was hooked. I felt a sense of belonging; it felt like family. Eventually, I decided to join First Baptist. A year later, when I got married, I brought my wife to the church, and she felt welcomed as well.

After a few years, Vicki and I left First Baptist in search of a church closer to our new home. Unfortunately, we never found a place as welcoming as First Baptist. Frustrated, we eventually gave up on going to church for a couple of years (there’s a long story behind that). When Vicki’s health issues suddenly escalated and she spent months in the hospital, I found myself alone, caring for our toddler son, Christopher, while facing the heartbreaking possibility of losing my wife. I realized that I needed to return to church, so I went back to First Baptist, where I once again felt welcomed.

Pastor Sean, who had just started at the church, greeted me warmly, took the time to speak with me, and even visited Vicki in the hospital. He encouraged us to reach out if we needed anything. While Vicki was recovering, Christopher and I attended church, and he enjoyed Sunday school and the children’s sermons. Later, when Vicki was recovering from her second major heart surgery, people stopped by with meals and visited us, for which we are deeply thankful.

This is why I cherish First Baptist Church, where members live their faith by applying God’s teachings and exemplifying Jesus’ life. They genuinely practice what they preach. They create a welcoming atmosphere and are very generous, offering help whenever needed. We’ve faced many difficulties, and they have gone above and beyond to support us. I am forever grateful I decided to come back. Thank you, First Baptist Church of Herndon, for being a port in a storm for my family and me.

Take care,

Bill R