Grace Community Baptist Church in Henrico County beautifully illustrates the nations worshiping God and serving one another as a church family. The church didn’t set out to become multi-ethnic, but God brought together members from diverse backgrounds to covenant together for His glory and to make disciples of Christ.
“Discipleship is something that Grace puts at the forefront of everything the church sets out to do,” said Stephen John, a deacon and children’s ministry leader. The children’s ministry reflects this mission, with leaders from various nations serving together. Stephen and his wife came to Grace Community from South Asia, not speaking English as their first language. The church welcomed, equipped, and empowered them. Today, they teach children about God’s love for all His creation. “We’re so glad we were able to grow at Grace and now mold and equip the next generation by sharing God’s love through Grace!” he said.
Peter and Deepthi Ambojii also serve in the children’s ministry. Having grown up in the church in southern India, they felt called to attend Grace Community when they moved to Richmond in 2006. “The words of wisdom, fellowship, and friendships gained throughout our service at Grace have been a wonderful example of God’s family knit together by Christ’s love,” he shared. “We have grown closer in our walk with the Lord because of all the fellow believers from different countries and cultures who poured into us. We need the whole body of Christ to grow as disciples and to serve unconditionally.”
Julie Newton, Children’s Ministry Director, values the opportunity to disciple the children at the church. “Working side by side with my brothers and sisters in Christ from India, Nepal, and Africa is very enriching,” she said. “Learning their stories—their lives in their homelands, what brought them to the U.S., and what led them to Christ—has shown me a different kind of faith journey. No matter what corner of the world we are in or where we come from, the Lord is the same, no matter where we gather to worship.”
Serving together across cultures demonstrates to the children of Grace Community how to live out the Great Commission: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to observe all I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV)
