In the summer of 2003 God began to unite a number of families who shared a like-minded passion to proclaim, worship, and serve the Lord Jesus Christ in spirit and truth (Jn.4:23-24). The initial leadership structure of the gathered families consisted of 12 men who began meeting to discern the call of God to organize, and plant a new work in the heart of Lake Country. From the beginning it was evident, through the Spirit’s leading, that God was calling us to this new work, which He would plant, grow, and sustain, for His glory alone (Phil. 1:6).
Corporate worship services, mid-week bible studies, and a special season of prayer, all began in our homes, and a cozy cabin in the woods. Within a few months the size of the fellowship grew beyond the capacity of our basements (Acts 5:14). In the beginning of 2004, after a brief use of a local community facility, God provided a more permanent meeting space (although temporary), which is where we currently gather for worship.
It was during this early season that God provided us with the name for our fellowship, which reflects our location (our Jerusalem), and initial vision God has given us. Part of the initial vision includes a centralized lake front location, which will enable us to create new and exciting ministries on the lake. Our local ministry area includes, but is not limited to, Clarksville, Chase City, Boydton, and South Hill. God confirmed our regional vision by providing families from each of these localities during the beginning phase of planting the church.
To see God magnified in all of Lake Country and beyond (world) has been our heartbeat since the founding of Water’s Edge (our passion for missions is fueled by our passion for worship). By God’s grace we commissioned our first international mission team during the first six months. We sent our first team to Mexico, and since that time we have adopted a local church in Muzquiz, having sent numerous teams to Mexico, in addition to sending teams to mission fields such as Peru, Honduras, and Malaysia. God has also enabled us to take a number of mission trips within the states, along with disaster relief endeavors such as hurricane Katrina relief.
Our passion for the people of Lake Country has led us to engage in many annual ministry activities such as WOW (weekend of worship), community based bible schools, Fishers of Men, and Lake Fest outreach events. We praise God for giving us a desire to see His name exalted among the people groups of all nations both locally and abroad (Rev. 7:9-12).
In August of 2004, after months of study, prayer, and waiting upon the Lord, the family of Water’s Edge confirmed God’s voice in affirming a plural leadership structure by setting aside its first elders (Acts 20:28). Not too long after this milestone was established, the family gathered at the waters edge to rejoice in our first baptismal celebration (Rom 6:4). A number of saints were immersed in the waters of Kerr Lake to the glory of God (Acts 2:38).
Thus far it has been an incredible journey for the family of Water’s Edge to see all that God has done. We humbly rejoice in trusting in Him alone, with His son—Jesus Christ—as our head leader (Col. 1:18). Our desire, as we joyfully anticipate our future, is to simply enjoy living obediently and faithfully for the Father’s glory and our exploding joy in Him—sharing the glorious news of Jesus Christ, our Savior, Redeemer, and Lord, to all in the heart of Lake Country and beyond, until His glorious return! We, the family of Water’s Edge Community Church invite you to come be a part of His exciting and eternal work!
