Our History
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Our History

How does this happen? It happens through the hand of God. He plants a vision in one man. That man inspires a congregation through God's word to yearn to see His face. And that congregation fulfills the Great Commission of Jesus, spreading His message to the world. What happens next? It's all up to Him.

 

On Pastor Sanders and Lady Sanders 19th year wedding anniversary, February 14, 2010, five individuals were invited to their home in Texas City to discuss the probability and practicality of forming a church. During this meeting, individual hearts united in faith to follow the vision of Pastor Sanders. The church began with the formation of New Directions Missionary Baptist Church.

 

In June 2010, the Church moved into their first location at 4601 FM 517 in Dickinson, Texas. The first worship service was held at 3:00 p.m. on June 13, 2010 so that family and friends could attend. Pastor Sanders’ first sermon was titled, "Will the Church Stand Up", II Chronicles 7:14. Over 120 people were present to witness this monumental celebration. During the first service, 16 people joined the church (1 for baptism and 15 by Christian experience). 

 

God was constantly adding members to this church family, and before long, it became evident to Pastor Sanders that a larger sanctuary was needed for the Vision of future membership growth that God had given him. Therefore, plans and preparations were made to move the church to 4401 FM 517, Dickinson. Our first service was held on April 13, 2014 (Palm Sunday).  Money was raised to purchase our first pews. 

 

Under Pastor Sanders leadership, being led by the Holy Spirit the church once again moved to our current location at 2512 Termini St., Suite B, Dickinson.  Our first church service was held on April 2, 2017.  Pastor Sanders preached, “Does Your Temple Need Cleaning?” – Matthew 21:12-14.  During Hurricane Harvey in August 2017 our church building was destroyed by flood waters.  But this did not stop God’s church from meeting.  

 

Rev. Malcolm Dotson, Sr. and the congregation of New Beginnings Church of League City opened their arms and doors to allow our church to have our weekly church services every Sunday mornings at 8:00 a.m. from August 2017 – November 2017.  We will be forever grateful for the love and kindness shown to us by them.  

 

We were grateful for the monetary donations from our friends and family, but especially Greater Zion Baptist Church of Houston, Texas under the leadership of Rev. David L. Punch, Sr. and Southwest Central District Association under the leadership of Moderator Rev. Laban Kimble for their extremely generous donation. We also are grateful for Pastor Sanders and his Vision to have initiated a building fund account prior to Hurricane Harvey that was faithfully contributed to by the membership each month. His decision was an indication that God was in the plan to continue his Kingdom Work.

 

In 2020 the World went through COVID-19 Pandemic.  Most Church doors were closed for Worship in Person and was open up thru the social media sources such as Facebook Live, YouTube and Zoom.  New Directions doors were closed for at least two services and then we went back to the Church Building for Sunday Morning Worship Services.  Only ten members could attend each Sunday according to CDC guidelines.  We had to wear our mask and socially distance ourselves six feet apart. However, we continue to hold Bible Study and Sunday School via Zoom.


In October of 2020 we stepped out on Faith and started our Feeding Ministry serving dinner Monday through Friday evenings to the youth in the City of Dickinson and other surrounding cities from ages 4 – 18.  We have currently served over 1,500 meals since inception. What a Blessing this Ministry has been to our youth, church and community.


However, ten years ago, Pastor Sanders had a Vision to build an Edifice for the Congregation to enter so we might continue Kingdom Building. During the month of July 2020 Pastor Sanders vision came to fruition. Through prayers and united hearts, we were blessed to purchase our own current church campus at 6510 FM 2004, Hitchcock in March 2021.

 

Our first service at our new Edifice was held on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021. Pastor Sanders sermon title was, “Are you Ready for Jesus Comeback?” – Matthews 28:5-8.

Our Ribbon Cutting Service was held on June 6, 2021 at 3:00 p.m.  The ribbon was cut by Pastor Sanders, Reverend Robert Smith, Reverend Alvin Shinette, Deacon Charles Glenn, Deacon Rickey Tryals, Trustee Brandon Sanders and Trustee Grayland Barrett.  Moderator Laban Kimble was our guest minister for this Occasion. His sermon tilted was, “God is Good.”  - Psalm 34:6-8.


Also at that service, Commissioner Stephen D. Holmes, Galveston County Commissioner, Precinct Three presented a Proclamation from Galveston County to our Church. It stated in part….” We give God glory and honor on this day, June 6, 2021, a day ordained by God for New Directions Missionary Baptist Church to dedicate their new church edifice. A sacred church built as a place for worship, praise, prayer and instruction in God’s Word. A church that will continue to be a part of the immoveable and everlasting rock of faith and truth sharing the gospel message with the congregation and community.”

 

To God Be The Glory For The Things He Has Done. Let us continue to Stand United as One.