History
Vision Life Skill & Worship Center (VLSWC) initially started as a traveling outreach ministry hosting 2-day revivals at area schools. Schools were chosen as the place of worship because they were neutral grounds with which no one could associate a denomination, a traditional environment for worship or the intrusion of personal agendas. The powerful 2-day platform eventually grew into a full-time, full-service ministry in 2001.
- Founders Rev. Dr. Edward Smith (deceased) & Lady Valerie M. Smith
Led by an awesome visionary, the late Rev. Dr. Edward Smith, a 30-year veteran in pastoral leadership, and his wife Lady Valerie Smith, VLSWC was founded upon the principle of bridging the gaps that are left when hurting people can no longer help themselves. It was the ministry’s experience that many who find themselves in this situation, are not in need of a hand-out, but just a “hand up”. Recognizing that in order to be effective and efficient in ministry efforts, it is oftentimes necessary not only to be a help others, but to also seek help to help others. With this is mind, Pastor Smith reached out to several community organizations including the Chesapeake and Suffolk Departments of Social Service, the STOP organization and several local shelters to offer assistance and seek guidance. As a result, Vision Life Skill and Worship Center is still strategically structured to extend a helping hand during the vital transitional period from assisted dependency to self- sufficiency.
Since Vision’s primary focus extends beyond the building in which they worship, little time is spent planning the Sunday morning worship service. Our philosophy embraces the concept that if the week is spent ministering through service to others; true worship on Sunday morning is the only natural result. Dr Smith always believed that we are in deed our brother’s keeper, and he counted it malevolent to have others to struggle to accomplish things which he has already experienced and conquered. It was in that spirit that he founded the JABEZ Alliance. Utilizing his 30 years of experience, he offered insightful teaching, networking opportunities and administrative assistance to those who were new to pastoral and ministerial roles.
- Elder Theresa Demby
Pastor, Vision Ministries
Other efforts of the ministry include empowering others to maximize their potentials by promoting local entrepreneurs and developing social and economic awareness. Vision Ministries, in its early days offered GED classes and CNA certification programs along with sharing the basic ground rules for first-time real estate investors. Participants in those programs are now successful in their own careers.
The Lord called Dr. Smith home in June 2008 and the mantle was passed to our current pastor, Elder Theresa Demby, a dynamic woman of God who spent over 15 years under the teachings of Founder Smith. For that reason, the vision is still alive!
Plans are still underway to erect the Greater Vision Center on their land on Suffolk’s Nansemond Parkway which will include subsidized retail rental space for experienced entrepreneurs in the area of beauty, barber and spa services, along with a coffee shop and bookstore.
We believe that the connection of passion, purpose, persistence and perspective will propel this great ministry into position for the future.