Forward in Faith

On May 8, 2026, the Buena Vista Seventh-day Adventist Church family gathered at 177 Bares Wood Lane in Lexington, Virginia, to celebrate a major milestone in our church’s journey—the groundbreaking for our future church home.

Approximately 70 church members, friends, community supporters, and conference representatives joined together for an evening of worship, gratitude, and celebration as we officially broke ground on the property our congregation purchased in 2014.

The ceremony included special music, prayer, and messages from former pastors Rick Labate and Bob Banks, current pastor Luis Beltre, building committee co-chair Dickie Hevener, and church treasurer Patty Lemon. Speakers reflected on God’s faithfulness throughout the years, sharing how the Lord has continually led, provided, and opened doors throughout the planning process.

Although construction was originally anticipated to begin in 2021, the project was delayed during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the years since, important site work has been completed, including the driveway, retention ponds, fencing, and retaining wall preparation.

Representatives from the Potomac Conference of Seventh-day Adventists joined the church’s building committee and pastors in the ceremonial groundbreaking.

Phase 1 of construction will include a fellowship hall, kitchen, classrooms, and restrooms. A future Phase 2 will add a sanctuary, foyer, additional classrooms, and office space.

More than simply constructing a building, this project represents our desire to create a place where people can reflect Jesus, serve our community, and grow as a family.

We are deeply thankful to everyone who has prayed for, supported, and encouraged this vision through the years. We look forward with excitement and faith to what God will continue to do in this new chapter of ministry.

“Go up into the hills, bring down lumber, and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified, says the Lord.” — Haggai 1:8

April 20, 2023 — Drawings Complete & Site Work Continues
We now have complete architectural drawings and are preparing to move toward the next step of bidding. Site work has continued steadily, and we recently completed the installation of a retaining wall.

Spring 2026 Update

We are excited to share another major milestone in the journey toward our future church home.

Since our last update, we have received the full structural steel package for the building. Having all of the steel on site marks a significant step forward and positions us to move quickly into the next phase of construction.

We are currently awaiting the issuance of building permits, which we expect soon. Once permits are in place, the next step will be pouring the concrete slab. After the slab is completed, the steel structure can be erected—a phase that will move quickly and visibly transform the site.

With these pieces coming together, we are now preparing for our official Groundbreaking Ceremony, celebrating not just the start of construction, but the fulfillment of a vision God has been leading us toward.

We are grateful for God’s continued guidance and for the prayers and support of our church family and community. The progress we are seeing is a testament to His faithfulness, and we look forward with anticipation to what lies ahead.

Please continue to keep this project in prayer as we seek God’s wisdom, provision, and perfect timing.
Pray for our leadership team, our builders, and for the resources needed to complete each phase of the project.

As we move forward in faith, we trust that God will provide—just as He has from the beginning.

We look forward to the day we can gather in our new church home—built not only with steel and stone, but with prayer, perseverance, and faith. We’re trusting God’s timing as we move Forward in Faith.