Local ministry seeks to make a difference

SNOW HILL — Victory and Dominion Church’s motto is “a ministry that’s making a difference.”

The church, at Hwy 258 N in Snow Hill, has been a vibrant part of the Greene County community since 1992, according to Bishop Zebedee Sheppard.

Sheppard attended the Greene County Commissioners meeting Monday to give a report on the church’s community activities.

“We have always endeavored to make a difference by taking our ministry beyond the four walls of the church and actually engaging the community,” he said. “We assist those in need and reach out to help those who are less fortunate.”

The church opened an 11,000 square-foot multipurpose room, which it deems the Family Life Center, in August.

“The motto of the center is ‘We’re not just in the business of saving souls, but changing lives,’” Sheppard said. “We want to get involved in whatever aspect we can to help better lives.

“We want to help create happier, wholesome, healthier lives.”

Deloris Petteway, director of the Family Life Center, said the center is open to the community from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. every Saturday.

“We want the community to be aware that there is no elite group for the Family Life Center,” she said. “It is open to the entire community, regardless of ethnicity, social status or whatever it may be.”

Petteway said the center has a full-size basketball court and multiple rooms for fitness, gaming and reading.

“On any given Saturday, we have volunteers around to help out,” she said.

Church board member Lennon Scott said the board is also looking into purchasing video gaming systems, hosting chess tournaments and the possibility of indoor soccer.

“(The center) is a safe haven with regulations and rules where youth can come,” Scott said.

Sheppard said he believes the center will provide youth a place to experience structured activities.

“We need to keep them focused on what’s important in life,” he said.

Board chairman Denny Garner complimented the church on the initiative it has taken to impact the community.

“You do an outstanding job, I know that firsthand,” he said. “I agree that it’s important to keep young people engaged, keep them off the streets and out of trouble.”

The church also anticipates hosting quarterly community giveaways at the center during the upcoming year.

“We held a community giveaway last Saturday,” Petteway said. “We solicited our members, as well as other community members to donate clothing, household items and toys.”

Petteway said more than 225 residents from Greene and surrounding counties attended the giveaway.

“We allowed people to come in and get items without cost,” she said.

Sarah Campbell can be reached at 252-559-1076 or scampbell@freedomenc.com.