Salem Baptist Church in eastern Goochland County envisions relocating to a property it purchased years ago on Route 250, an extension of Broad Street. Led by Pastor Zack Zbinden, they’ve been using the land each Christmas to host Bethlehem Walk, an evangelistic outreach to the community, which has seen thousands of visitors over the years. The church sets up a simulation of the town of Bethlehem, complete with Bible-period costumes and animals. Visitors receive a guided tour and a Gospel presentation.

Today, adjacent to the location for Bethlehem Walk, stands a beautiful shell of a building that has sprung up over the past year and a half. Because of its stewardship convictions, the church has chosen to build by using volunteers. In seeking assistance outside of their own church family, they have enlisted an organization called Nail Benders.

Pastor Zack says, “[Nail Benders has] been instrumental in the foundation and core structure, which has made it easier for our members and volunteers to jump in to do the finishing work.” Over the past two summers, other churches have brought mission teams to help complete the vision God has given this congregation.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO CELEBRATING WITH THEM WHEN THE BUILDING IS COMPLETE.

One of those SBCV churches is River Oak Church (Chesapeake, VA), which has assembled two teams. Volunteer Craig Carlton says River Oak has loved participating in the project. “We have fallen in love with Pastor Zack, built relationships with the congregation, worshipped with them, and attended a Bethlehem Walk presentation. We also love serving in this area. We have dry-walled, mudded, sanded, and painted.” He adds, “We look forward to coming and celebrating with them when the building is complete.”

Pastor Zack testifies, “It might have been a slow process for man, but God’s timing is perfect. The Lord has been in this project one nail at a time.”