Saltville is a small town located in southwest Virginia. With a poverty rate of 36.1%, the town is known for struggling to get out of the rut caused by the collapse of a company that employed many of its residents. Billy Gwinn and his wife felt burdened to reach the hearts of this hurting small town and decided to plant Northwood Fellowship Church. The church first met in the Gwinn’s home and quickly needed to find a bigger location to meet when dozens of people showed up to their first few services. Northwood Fellowship now meets in a storefront on Main Street, where all are welcome to join on Sunday mornings for praise and worship.
“Over 60% of our people are new believers in Christ,” Gwinn shared. “And I think the greatest need in any Christian’s life is the need for community.” That caring community atmosphere is strong here, as the congregation takes about five minutes near the beginning of each service to embrace and interact with one another while the worship band plays.
It’s not hard to see that the Lord is working in the community of Saltville, and Vision Virginia is helping to make that happen. The SBC of Virginia missions offering helps Northwood Fellowship through financial assistance and, more recently, a worship grant for a new sound system. There are many other church plants throughout Virginia with similar support and providing important ministry like Northwood Fellowship. This would not be impossible without the generous contributions from our SBC of Virginia churches. This is Vision Virginia.