LOVE GOD, LOVE EACH OTHER, AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR COMMUNITIES TOGETHER

Our Vision


At Restoration International Fellowship, we exist to cultivate a Christ-centered community where individuals and families are valued, supported, and empowered to fulfill their God-given potential.


We embrace God, each other, and our neighbors by fostering a culture of grace, acceptance, and agape love that translates into tangible care, community support, and meaningful service. We believe that we are better together, and we intentionally model the spirit of koinonia seen in Acts 4 by creating a community where no one stands alone and the needs of all are met.


Our vision extends beyond worship into action. We are committed to strengthening individuals, supporting families, serving seniors, mentoring youth, and partnering with the community to promote wholeness, stability, and hope.


Through faith, compassion, and collective responsibility, we strive to be a place where lives are restored, communities are strengthened, and the love of God is demonstrated in practical and transformative ways.

Our Commitment is to:


  1. Know God through studying His Word. 
  2. Love God by applying His Word to our daily lives. 
  3. Serve God with our time, talent, and treasure by meeting the needs of others and strengthening our community. 
  4. Live like Jesus by manifesting grace, compassion, and forgiveness in our homes, church, and communities. 
  5. Exemplify God by being living evidence of His resurrecting and transformative power. 
  6. Please God by pursuing His good, pleasing, and perfect will in both worship and service to others.
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Church HistorY

In November of 2022, Reverend Donna M. Richardson felt a divine calling to establish a new church plant. She shared her vision with Reverend Dr. Evalina Huggins, Presiding Elder of the Baltimore District. Recognizing the spiritual significance of this endeavor, Elder Huggins sought permission from Bishop W. Darin Moore, who graciously granted approval for the formation of what became Restoration AME Zion Church.


With the blessings of Bishop Moore, the fledgling congregation began to take shape. A small group of twelve local members in Baltimore, Maryland and five virtual members, hailing from Bridgetown, Barbados and the Kingdom of Bahrain, gathered weekly from December 2022 onwards for virtual Bible study sessions.


The journey toward formalization reached a pivotal moment on March 5, 2023, when Restoration held its inaugural service at Freedom Temple AME Zion Church in Baltimore. Bishop Moore himself delivered a powerful sermon, marking the official launch of the church with unwavering support from the wider AME Zion Church family.


On March 12, 2023, Restoration transitioned to hosting weekly hybrid worship services at 8 Music Fair Road, Owings Mills, Maryland. Pastor Donna delivered a sermon titled “Begin As We Mean to Go On,” drawing inspiration from Genesis 1–2 and encouraging the members to embrace the truth that, “We begin with God and we will continue with God.”


The growth of Restoration was nothing short of miraculous. By February 2024, the church faced the joyful challenge of exponential expansion in membership, necessitating relocation to accommodate its flourishing community. The ministry now records fifty active members on roll.


As the ministry matured, the congregation entered a season of intentional prayer, discernment, and seeking God’s direction concerning the next phase of the vision originally entrusted to Pastor Donna. With unity of spirit and clarity of purpose, the leadership and membership carefully considered how best to steward the growth and calling of the ministry.


On March 11, 2026, by an almost unanimous vote of the congregation and officers, Restoration prayerfully withdrew from the AME Zion Church denomination in order to fully align with the unfolding vision of the ministry.


On March 22, 2026, the ministry was officially relaunched and began worship under its new name: Restoration International Fellowship.


While the name and structure have evolved, the mission, vision, and heart of the ministry remain unchanged. Restoration International Fellowship continues the work first birthed in November 2022, rooted in love for God and for people, serving as a sanctuary where all are valued, cherished, and empowered to fulfill their God-given potential.


Under the continued pastoral leadership and visionary guidance of Reverend Donna M. Richardson, Restoration International Fellowship embraces grace and agape love, fostering an atmosphere of genuine acceptance and spiritual growth. As affirmed in 1 Peter 5:10, the ministry stands as a beacon of hope and refuge, a place where the weary find rest, where faith is strengthened, and where together we strive to make a meaningful difference in the world around us.

What We Believe

We believe in God the Father Almighty, the maker of heaven and earth and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost; born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried. The third day He arose from the dead, He ascended into heaven and sitteth on the right hand of God the father Almighty. From thence He shall come to judge the quick, and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen


*“The word catholic means the church universal and not to a specific denomination.”

Pastor

Donna Richardson

Greetings, I am Pastor Donna M. Richardson, the founding Pastor of Restoration AME Zion Church in Baltimore, Maryland, now known as Restoration International Fellowship. My approach to ministry is holistic, aimed at inspiring individuals to fulfill their God-given potential. I am passionate about nurturing personal relationships with God, fostering spiritual growth, applying biblical teachings for victorious living in today’s world, and being actively engaged and passionate about the work in the mission field.


Alongside my loving husband, Sean, and supportive children, I have dedicated my life to spreading the Good News within both my congregation and the wider community. Originally from Barbados, I maintain a deep connection to the island, actively engaging in outreach ministry there.


I profoundly believe in the inclusive nature of grace, advocating that there is an abundance of room for everyone at the table. Leading with an open heart, an open mind, and an open-door policy, I strive to ensure that all individuals feel welcome in our community. My conviction is rooted in the belief that every person holds inherent value because of Jesus, affirming that “everybody is somebody” in the eyes of God.


As Restoration has prayerfully transitioned into its new season as Restoration International Fellowship, I remain committed to the same vision, the same mission, and the same heart for God’s people that began this journey in 2022.


Let this be your personal invitation: If you ever find yourself in the Baltimore area, we warmly invite you to join us at Restoration International Fellowship. It would be our privilege to extend a heartfelt EMBRACE to you!


In His Service,

Pastor Donna

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Leadership team

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