Nanza Bynum

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” – Acts 2:42

When I was asked to participate in this devotion for the season of Advent, I thought, what can I say in a paragraph about God’s presence in my life, and the first thing that came to mind was First Baptist Church of Wilmington and what it has meant to me.

Jim and I moved to Wilmington five years ago to open a new chapter in our lives. Along with building a new home, finding a church that met our spiritual needs was not an easy process. COVID was rampant, and moving to a town where we had no family or friends was depressing to both of us.

We visited several different churches and never found what we were looking for or needed. After searching for several years, we saw some friends from Jim’s hometown, and they asked us to visit First Baptist. Being Presbyterian all of my life, I was a little skeptical, but my mind was changed the first time I walked into the church. The people were so friendly in making us feel welcome, and the minute I walked in the sanctuary, I knew God had answered my prayers, as well as Jim’s, in finding a church that gave us peace and joy in the presence of God.

The church was what I wanted in my life, the choir was what I needed in listening to beautiful music, and the minister is teaching me so much in learning more about God’s son Jesus Christ and how we should follow Him.

So, to end my devotion at this special time of year, God changed my life forever in finding a church that gave me love, peace, and joy in my spiritual journey, and I am so grateful that my prayers have been answered.

- Nanza Bynum