LAKE RIDGE, Va. — On Saturday, April 26, 2014, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) held the unique “Taste of Africa” event at their Woodbridge Stake Center off Old Bridge Road.
As guests came in, they were greeted by volunteers, given name tags, and directed to explore fifteen African countries in class rooms around the building.
This was no ordinary church activity. Planning for this event took roughly four months. Close to five hundred people were in attendance, and about seventy volunteers made the event possible. One of the organizers, , said:
“We wanted to create an awareness about our African and African American members of the church. The event was an invitation to come and see…the diversity in the church. Sometimes, people think that a particular type of people go to this church or that other people don’t belong with us. We organized this event because we are not an all-white church as some people say. That is not who we are. The LDS church invites everyone.” said Jeff Kimera, from Kampala, Uganda one of the event’s organizers. “As LDS members, we are part of a big thing which is the gospel of Jesus Christ. This message is very important for me. The message is that everyone is welcome and God treats everyone the same. We hope people who came to the Taste of Africa event will stay and worship with us and come back again and again.”
Around the building in classrooms, presenters explained their displays of art, jewelry, cravings, clothing, and flags from African counties. The country presenters were either from that country or had lived in that country for several years.
“Every room gave a different sense of Africa,” Patricia Thomas of the Lake Ridge.
Small children rushed to the presenters, collecting stamps in their passport books. In one room, they colored and made crafts, in another they sat and listened to traditional African stories.
“I like that everyone is so open, and interactive and asking questions about all of the different African countries and members here tonight,” said Lilly Sanusi, of Lake Ridge.
Recent Stories
Rappahannock Education Farm (REF) Manager Rich Larochelle said he and a squad of volunteers prepped a 360-square-foot plot of Fredericksburg farmland to plant hundreds of seeds of produce last week.
Stafford County Sheriff is asking for public assistance in investigating an April 12 shooting.
On April 13 at 8:12 p.m., officers responded to the Walmart located at 14000 Worth Avenue in Woodbridge to investigate an unattended child.
The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office needs your help identifying this individual involved in a recent larceny in Stafford Market Place.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges? Do stress and anxiety seem to dominate your thoughts? At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand that navigating mental health can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Our team of compassionate therapists is here to guide you on your journey toward inner peace and emotional well-being. With a client-centered approach, we tailor our therapy sessions to meet your unique needs and goals. Whether you’re struggling with depression, coping with trauma, or simply seeking personal growth, we provide a safe and supportive space for healing and growth.
Embark on a path of self-discovery with our comprehensive range of therapy services, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, and holistic approaches. Our experienced therapists are dedicated to helping you cultivate resilience, develop coping skills, and foster a greater sense of self-awareness.
Are you facing life’s challenges, feeling overwhelmed, or seeking personal growth? Embrace the path to emotional well-being with our expert psychotherapy services!
Why Choose Us?
Our team of compassionate and experienced psychotherapists is here to guide you on your journey to inner peace, self-discovery, and positive change. We provide a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment.
Free Irish Music Concert
Welcoming Spring with music from the Emerald Isle, the New Dominion Choraliers offer a FREE concert on Saturday, April 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City.
Joined by Legacy Brass and members of Old
Spring Ceili: An Irish Music Festival
The New Dominion Choraliers of Prince William County and McGrath Morgan Academy of Irish Dance invite you to join them at our Ceili, a grand celebration of Irish music and dance.
A gathering of performance groups throughout Prince William County
