THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, June 19, 1996 TAG: 9606180109
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
DATELINE: SMITHFIELD LENGTH: 69 lines
Anthony Van Dyke sells pork Monday through Friday and salvation on Sunday.
Van Dyke, 27, is a sales representative at Smithfield Packing Co. But every Sunday, he can be found behind a makeshift pulpit at New Community Church.
The Isle of Wight County native, who graduated from Liberty University in 1993, started the nondenominational church four months ago in an upstairs room at Welcome Alley, 936 S. Church St. Sunday services draw about 30 people.
``I think we are off to a very good start,'' Van Dyke said. ``We would rather our membership grow consistently than quickly. I believe people are going to come.''
Eventually, Van Dyke envisions New Community's growing into its own building and taking a more prominent role in the community. He would like to see the church operating a day care program and school and sponsoring community workshops.
Van Dyke lives in Suffolk, but he decided to bring his church back to his hometown.
``At college, my life was changed,'' he said. ``I grew up here and wanted to give back to this community. I think spirituality can help people handle their particular situations.''
He said, ``We do not cater to any particular group of people. This ministry is open to everybody - black, white, rich or poor.''
What brought you here? To help the misguided in the community and enable them to obtain a better understanding by teaching the Bible.
Birthdate/hometown: March 22, 1969, Smithfield.
Fondest childhood memory: The family drives we took every Sunday to visit relatives when I was a young child.
Marital status/children: Married to Nicole and have two sons, Nicholas and Jayanti.
Pets: I don't have one, but I would like to have a goat to eat my grass.
First job/worst job: My first job was cutting my neighbor's grass and my worst was shovelling hog heads at Smithfield Packing Co.
Occupation: Salesman at Smithfield Packing Co. and pastor of New Community Church.
If you had a choice, what other job would you choose? Pastor.
What's your favorite hangout? Home with my wife and family.
Favorite night out on the town: Walking with my wife on a cool summer evening on the shores of the James River.
Favorite food/drink: Italian food and raspberry iced tea.
Favorite movies/television shows: ``Forrest Gump'' and ``Fresh Prince.''
Book you think everyone should read: Holy Bible.
Ideal vacation: Revisit Paradise Island, Bahamas.
I can't resist: Breyers mint chocolate chip ice cream.
Few people know that I. . . was a below average student in high school. My high school transcript had stamped on it, ``academic warning.''
Most embarassing moment: On a first-time date, I suddenly realized I had left my wallet at home.
If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money? I would build a temple comparable to the one Solomon dedicated to the Lord.
What is best advice you have been given and by whom? To accept Jesus as my personal Savior, by Evangelist Jay Struck.
What's the best thing about yourself? Genuine appreciation for all people.
If you could trade places with anyone in the world, who would it be? I would like to be a combination of the Apostle Paul, Evangelist Billy Graham and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
What achievements are you most proud of? Graduating from two colleges and being pastor of New Community Church.
Something you wish to say but haven't: I would like to invite all people to my church services at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sundays at Welcome Alley. I firmly believe every person wants to know the truth and needs to hear the truth. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by ALLISON T. WILLIAMS by CNB