Missionary Biography

Dewayne & Teresa England
Washington, D.C. Area
Manassas, VA

Background

Dewayne was saved at age 17, through an evangelistic meeting in his church. He was called to preach at the age of 19. His wife, Teresa, was saved at age 8. They have two children, David, age 14, and Danielle, age 8. After Dewayne's Bible education, he was an associate pastor and helped to start Bible Baptist Church, in 1978, and Macedonia Baptist Church, in 1982, in the area of Gainesville, GA. Later on, he was the senior pastor for Liberty Baptist Church in Cartersville, GA, where he was also the school principal. During this time, he has held evangelistic meetings for various churches.

Field

The District of Columbia is comprised of 61 square miles with a population of 572,059 (2000 census), which makes 9,316 people per square mile. Just over 30 percent of the people are white, while the Black and Hispanic populations are in the majority. In the areas around Washington, DC, there are several populous suburbs, which include, Bethesda/Chevy Chase, MD; Annandale, VA (high Korean population); Silver Springs, MD (34,000 people); and Alexandria, VA (115,000 people). Besides these statistics, the most significant thing is that this area is the seat of our nation's capital and in great need for fundamental Baptist churches. Few are scattered around the area, but the laborers are still too minimal to effectively reach these people for Christ.

Beginning

The Englands arrived in the D.C. area on August 15, 2004, and are now beginning to lay the groundwork to evangelize and plant a new church. Allowing time for their family to adjust to life in a metropolitan area while Teresa is teaching in a Christian school, Brother Dewayne has been surveying and also meeting with some of the surrounding fundamental pastors. In addition, he is following up on one pastor's referral of several people who were recently saved at a county fair in Silver Springs, MD. He hopes to start a Bible study with those new converts. Also, he is looking for a building to rent, knowing that some areas have strict codes for commercial buildings. With the Englands coming from the South, they find that the fast pace of living makes for difficult adjustments, and they report that people in the metro area seem to be greatly suspicious of one another.

The Requests

• For David and Danielle as they have found it difficult to meet other children with their same values and standards. Their parents rejoice that they continue to be a witness on the playground and have even brought children to their patio door with questions during their soul-winning attempts.
• For new converts recently saved at the county fair to begin a Bible study with the Englands.
• For the Lord to show them their specific area for church planting, a building to rent, and affordable housing.
• For their 40% support level to grow rather than fluctuate, which makes it difficult to meet financial obligations.
• For continuing deputation and new contacts with pastors.