Our Stories > How wonderful to have a group of friends to laugh with, cry with, and grow together in our faith.

Ironbridge has become our church home away from home.  Brian and I came to the Richmond area about three years ago because of a job transfer.  I was pregnant with our second.  We also have a son, who was two years old at the time.  Brian and I grew up in Christian families.  We accepted Christ as our savior when we were young.  We both entered our marriage knowing God, but both Brian and I would say that we never imagined the lessons of love and commitment God would teach us through our marriage.  Not only have we learned how to love each other, but we’ve also learned about God’s love as we witness how He loves us unconditionally, just as we are to love our spouses.  It is through this love and commitment that Brian and I have learned to pray first before making decisions in our family. 

When the opportunity came to move to Virginia with his company, it would mean leaving family behind.  Through prayer we felt God’s leading to pursue this opportunity.  We stepped out in faith.  Not only did we leave our natural family, but also our church family we loved dearly.  Some of our many prayers about this move were that God would direct us to a church where we could serve, be challenged in our faith, hear truth and not just feel-good preaching, develop friendships, enjoy fellowship with other members, and finally, participate in a secure preschool ministry with a credible bible curriculum for our children. 

When we visited Ironbridge Baptist, we felt welcomed.  Pastor Mark’s preaching was based on scriptural truth and left us with a little something to chew on mentally during the week.  We clicked with the Adult 1 bible fellowship class from the start.  This group of vivacious adults attracted us to return for more. 

How wonderful to have a group of friends to laugh with, cry with, and grow together in our faith.  When we need prayer or support, we wouldn’t hesitate to call any one of them.  Not having family in Virginia, these people have become dear friends and have helped fill the void.  We prayerfully considered membership at Ironbridge and felt God’s leading to become members.  Since joining, we have begun serving and participating in several ministries of the church.  Serving in the preschool has allowed us to participate with our children as they learn about Jesus and make new friends.  The Godly Encouragement for MotherS (GEMS) ministry has blessed me in many ways by providing a group of mothers that support and encourage each other in our relationships, especially our relationship with the Lord. 

As I learn in my faith how much God desires for us to know Him, love Him, and experience His grace and love, I see God’s love resonating among the members of Ironbridge.  We thank God for leading us to our new church home.