Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Christ First Church is hosting a series of guest speakers in the coming months.

Due to the pandemic, the church, formerly known as Liberty Baptist, will host guest speakers one week a month to help raise attendance for its 10:30 a.m. Sunday morning service.

This series is named Super Sunday as notable speakers are scheduled to speak about their experiences and accomplishments.

“We’re trying to do something different,” said Mark Reon, the pastor at Christ First Church. “With COVID-19 and the weather, we want to get our attendance back up.”

The first Super Sunday guest speaker will be Dave Shultz on Feb. 28. Shultz is a former Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Operator, who spent 26 years deployed in Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, Herzegovina and other locations. He earned a Silver Star, four Bronze Stars for valor, and the Meritorious Service Medal during this time.

“He loves the Lord and will have a great message for our church,” said Reon.

The second month will host Kirk Cox on March 21. Cox is a member of the Virginia House of Delegates who served as the 55th Speaker of the House of Delegates. Cox is also running for the Republican nomination for governor.

Kelly Lester will be the third speaker coming on April 25. Lester is a pro-life activist who travels to share her testimony. Lester faced a life of abuse, rape, drugs and more before turning her life back to God. Today she is a mother of six who works with LoveLine Ministries, And Then There Were None, RVA Light and Vilaj Ansanm: Living Stones Ministries.

“After facing all of these hardships, she has become a leader for those in the same boat,” said Reon.

Maj. Gen. William H. Seely III will be the last scheduled speaker on May 30. Seely is a two-star Marine General currently serving as the commandant at Joint Forces Staff College in Norfolk. Seely was born in Vietnam, when his father was stationed there during the war. He also has a long list of medals and commendations, including a Bronze Star.

Christ First Church hopes that this will be the start of many more guest speakers in the future. The church has returned to in-person gatherings at their location at 116 Romans Road. The services will stream live on Christ First Church’s Facebook page for those who are unable to attend. The church’s phone number is 757-539-3511.