Dwayne and Urania Davis

Dwayne: After two years of turning down a coworker's invitation to V•Group, I finally agreed to go. I wasn't saved at the time and feared that the people in the group would either try to get in my business or push God on me. I was really nervous at first, but my when I saw how friendly the group was, and how they laughed and played with each other, my fears were relieved. No one got in my business or tried to pressure me. It was only as I was leaving that night that someone asked if I wanted them to pray with me, or if I wanted to accept Jesus. I said no. I wasn't ready. Inside, I didn't think that God would want me with all the "dirt" I had in my life. I mean, I was smoking and drinking and all that stuff. I felt like I had a lot to do before I could turn to God. So, I left.

When I went outside, it was pitch black all the way down the street, even though I thought I remembered there being street lights. As I was looking at the darkness, I heard a voice say, "This is what you're going into. This is where you're taking your life." I thought, "I don't want to do that." And then, "What's the worst that could happen?" So, I went back inside… and prayed to accept Jesus. I was filled with a greater sense of joy than I had ever felt. After that, I started going to V•Group regularly and got baptized a few weeks later.

There's no place I've been to where I've been around so many genuine people who genuinely want to see you succeed in life, see you grow in Christ and as a person. I've never been around a group of people who just really looked out for me. A lot of the time, when you go to places, it's all about, "What can you do for me?" But, in V•Group it's not about "me"; it's about the body of Christ and serving each other. It's really a blessing.

One night, another V•Group member brought one of her girlfriends, Urania. When we met, I thought she was beautiful, but I didn't say much more than, "Hi" and then left. I didn't want to get into any relationships at that time so I could really focus on God. But…

Urania: I was also invited to V•Group by a friend. Everyone was so comfortable and it all just flowed. As I was leaving that first night, one of the leaders looked at me and said, "This is your small group." And I said, "Okay. Yes, it is."

At the time I started going to V•Group, I was also not looking for any serious relationships. I had grown up in church, but was trying to get my life together with God. I was seeking something real. I wanted to know God for real and that began to happen in the V•Group. But we also began to learn about courtship, healthy relationships and accountability.

Well, my relationship with Dwayne began to grow deeper. Our V•Group played a huge role in this. We were able to go out together with others where we could have a lot of fun without being alone. And, an older couple from the group took us under their wings, providing accountability and offering advice. They really set us on the right track in our relationship with each other.

When we got engaged, Satan really attacked. He apparently didn't like what God was doing in us. But, through our V•Group, we had already learned to set boundaries, and that helped a lot. Then, when we got married, they offered so much help. I had messed up in so many relationships before, but it was so amazing to know that in this relationship there were others around to help - that it wasn't just the two of us who had to fight the battle. We had people to pray for us, encourage us, and advise us. And they've continued to do so.

Our group is really tight nit. There's a real sense of family from them. They are truly our church within the church. It's really comfortable to be around a group of people that really love you, accept you and want you to enjoy their company, fellowship and God together. We're able to share freely with no shame because we see that everyone else has "stuff" they're working on, too.

Now, we are looking to start our own V•Group and would like to help other young people the way our group helped us. V•Groups saved us. If anyone is thinking about joining a small group, but putting it off for any reason, you have no idea what you're missing. My life just rocketed after I joined a V•Group.

Dwayne: V•Groups is for you. God made us to have community, to have fellowship. Being in a church is one thing, but having that small community around you just helps so much - even in your personal life. I can't tell you how much you grow as a Christian. You have a support system with the things you've been praying about - people to pray with you, a shoulder to cry on, people to laugh with and people to hold you accountable.

A V•Group is not a bunch of weirdoes sitting around being all super-spiritual. It's real people dealing with real issues and real life. It just helps you grow. In fact, if you're looking for growth in your Christian life, then a V•Group is definitely the place to get it. You'll grow by leaps and bounds. I guarantee it. Or, if you're just looking for people to connect with because you feel alone, a V•Group is the best place to be. If you're out there wondering if V•Groups are for you, go do it! It is the best thing you can ever do in your life. It changed my life. It changed our life! It's amazing!

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