Pastor Terry Nester and his church, Riverland Road Baptist Church in Roanoke, are rejoicing in the powerful results of a renewed focus on prayer and outreach. Whatever we seek, God invites us to come to Him with confidence, believing that He is able to answer—and that He will answer. Pastor Nester motivates and encourages his congregation to respond to life’s challenges with prayer: praying without ceasing and praying with great expectations. He also urges his people to reach out to others by investing in relationships and inviting them to hear the Good News of Jesus.
Riverland Road Baptist is experiencing revitalization through its emphasis on prayer and evangelism. In January 2024, with support from the SBC of Virginia, the church launched a “Who’s Your One?” initiative, building on its previous ministry, “Drive-Through Prayer.”
Located near the main hospital and medical complex in the Roanoke Valley, the church began offering designated prayer times in April 2022, when a team was available to pray with individuals who paused in the church parking lot. These times have abounded with opportunities for ministry and evangelism.
Pastor Nester testified, “You never know what God’s up to, but you need to always be ready! One afternoon, as I was leaving my office, someone was quietly knocking on the door. I looked out to find a woman standing there sobbing. Answering the door, I asked what was going on, and she began to unload her heartbreak over her young adult son, who had recently gotten married and completely cut off all communication with her—her fear is maybe he is ensnared in some kind of religious cult. After I prayed with her, I asked why she stopped by our church, and her answer was: ‘I knew I needed some godly counsel, and I had been through your drive-thru prayer.’ Taking more time, my wife and I were able to encourage her. It was a God-moment! People are hurting everywhere. I’m so glad God has called Riverland Road to be known as a church that prays for people.”
The church is actively reaching out to guests and special friends through intentional outreach. The “Who’s Your One?” resource has equipped and challenged the congregation to be deliberate in their efforts. Riverland Road Baptist has reached new attendance highs, celebrated numerous baptisms, filled its nursery for the first time in years, and started renovating its outdated facilities. Easter services, which included baptisms, led to three guests praying to trust Christ for salvation.
God is at work bringing new life to Riverland Road Baptist in Roanoke through a renewed focus on prayer and outreach. To God be the glory!
