Sometimes we receive invitations that leave us regretful afterward. But there was no disappointment in accepting the invitation extended to me by two colleagues, Mable Alsobrooks and Thelma Stewart-Freeland, to visit their church. I visited Refuge Church Ministries one Sunday for the main course (my spirit was fed with God's word), and I returned the next Sunday for the dessert (the genuine sweetness of the service). The congregation serves the Lord in spirit and truth, and doesn't mind offering an abundance of praise and worship during every service. Tuesday night Bible study is like a praise service, with so many people attending.

Pastor Smotherson said, ''He is a mighty God … just look what he's done for us. No matter what we are going through, he's that kind of friend. No matter what Satan throws at us, God always brings us through it all. Refuge means sanctity; there is hope for you there … there is room at the inn for you.'' In five years, Smotherson envisions not one, but several Refuge Church Ministries. ''I'm not interested in a large facility,'' she said. ''I feel like the spokes in a bike wheel, we desire to radiate movement from within. God wants people who are real about serving him. ''We want to go out to the common man, like Jesus did. He didn't sit in the temple, he went out into the world. Time is winding and he has given us the charge [Matthew 28:19], 'Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father, and of the son and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. And, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.' ''People perish for lack of knowledge, and it's our responsibility to go out and to reach the people; we are held accountable. Somebody said there are too many preachers, and I say, there are a lot of street corners.'' Smotherson often reaches the congregation in layman's language and comprehension. Last Sunday, she walked out of the pulpit and preached about different types of shoes, from the boot to the slipper. The sermon was to focus on different perceptions, using scripture reference from Romans 8; we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. ''If you are in a situation, God will do one of two things — he'll move the mess from you or he will move you from the mess!'' Offered an altar call for people to come, the congregation responded in humble tears and repentance.

Robert Taylor is chairman of the deacon board. A devoted church worker, he has great respect and admiration for his pastor. Taylor said, ''Rev. Smotherson is an anointed and spirit-filled servant of God, who suddenly found herself in a role of pastor. With the many gifts God has given to Pastor Smotherson, the gift of love is among her strongest attributes. She is a loving and compassionate pastor and I count it [as a] joy to serve on the deacon board at Refuge Church Ministries.''

Church history

This ministry started as a Bible study class in 1996. On Dec. 6, 1999, the group began to hold Bible study in a member's home. Shortly thereafter, there was no room to accommodate the masses who showed up. Refuge Church began holding services at and elementary school in Upper Marlboro. On May 14, Refuge held its inaugural services with several functioning boards, ministries and choirs. Smotherson said, ''We have been so very blessed that God has continuously given us favor in this new branch of Zion. He has granted tremendous growth of this church in such a short time." On Sept. 17, Refuge Church moved to its present location, which they refer to as ''Holy Ghost Hill,'' because God has shown his power there even more.

Smotherson said, ''When I think about how Christ came as a babe in the manger and there was no room for him in the inn, God provided a refuge for him. He sent others to welcome the newborn king. ''That's how we know that God is our refuge and strength, so it doesn't matter where you are but it matters who is in you. You can be in a valley and feel that there's no room at the inn and God will lift you up.'' This church provides solidarity for you … for it is a refuge place. There is room for you in the inn.

Writer Prince George's Journal