Gospel Service celebrates 20th anniversary

By Tim Cherry, Belvoir EagleApril 12, 2013

Gospel Anniversary
A'mariyah Bowling, foreground, and Arlisa Moffatt-Scales, Gospel Service usher, children and music member, look at information from one of 15 display tables at the Gospel Service Ministry Fair April 6 in Woodlawn Chapel. The event, which was part of ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

The Fort Belvoir Gospel Service honored the organization's 20th anniversary by featuring revival services, a banquet, a ministry fair and an anniversary service, all during the week of April 1.

Each event allowed participants to revive their religious spirit and honor God for enabling the Gospel Service to survive 20 years, according to Rita Williams, Gospel Service 20th Anniversary chairperson.

"The significance of this 20th year anniversary reveals our faith in God's word that says, 'unless the Lord builds a house, they labor in vain that build it,'" said Williams quoting Psalms, Chapter 127, in the Bible. "God established the Gospel Service on Fort Belvoir in April 1993 and in 2013 we say thank God for 20 years of blessings to the Fort Belvoir Community and surrounding areas."

The Gospel Service is a non-denominational protestant worship service that teaches and preaches the principles of being a follower of Christ, Williams said. Since 1993, the service has grown from 25 members to as many as 350 members.

"20 years is a very long time for a church, which is very good for us," said Arlisa Moffatt-Scales, Usher and Music Ministries member. "I've been here since 2010 and it's been a great experience. I enjoy the camaraderie and love within the chapel members."

One of the many events the Gospel Service hosted during the revival week was the Ministry Fair April 6 in Woodlawn Chapel. The event allowed participants to learn how the Gospel Services' ministries can help them and their Families grow. Gospel Service leaders spoke to guests about each ministry's activities. The singles ministry, for instance, visits a detention center to fellowship with cellmates. Another example is the marriage ministry's effort to help improve married couples' relationships through prayer.

"We wanted to show individuals what each ministry has to offer and as a worship service we wanted to see what we can do to help," said Susan G. Kelly, Usher and Greeter Ministry president and ministry fair organizer. "It's a way to encourage people to join."

Each anniversary event allowed people to become spiritually revived through fellowship with church members, according to Kelly.

"It has just been overwhelming," Kelly said of the anniversary celebration. "We need more revivals because this gets people to see that God is real and he is alive. This lets me know I have nothing to worry about because God is in control."

The Gospel Service is open to military Families, retirees and civilians. The services are Sunday mornings at 11 a.m. Bible Study is Thursday evenings at 7:30 p.m.

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