Twenty-five years ago, Tami and I walked into New Life Tabernacle with a smile on our faces. The congregation welcomed us with open arms as we entered with purpose. The vision was grand and somewhat overwhelming, but we believed in a God “which calleth those things which be not as though they were!” How honored we were to work alongside a determined group. With very little resources and no where to go but up, we simply believed! Faith in God was more than enough. The foundation which began on October 17, 1999 was prayer, fasting, witnessing, and working.
New Life Tabernacle quickly became New Life Fellowship as the purpose of the church took the necessary turn to reach the city. We did not want to simply survive; we were desperate to thrive. New people – the lost and hurting, the discouraged and disheartened, became our pursuit – wherever and whosoever.
My dear friend, Steve Richardson, came to help us with music. A small choir formed and the renovation commenced. The vision was always larger than our abilities. Our first son, Roman, was born filling our house with joy. The church suddenly filled with more babies. It continues today! We pray for natural children and new, spiritual births.
Our vision encompasses more than we can accomplish. Only the Lord can fulfill what is purposed in our hearts to do. We pray His Kingdom come, here and now!
Tami and I are joined by Roman, Reagan, Alexandra, and Nicholas in expressing our love and appreciation to everyone who makes up the body of New Life Fellowship. Our lives are invested in the Gospel mission and together we are working to reach “The Field.” As Bro. MacLeod preached, there are 106,000 reasons for us to exist. The field is white, ready for harvest. Nothing is more important than saving the lost before the rapture.
Through Christ we can do all things. Through Him we see a sustained revival of people, baptized and filled with His Spirit. Jesus is the Center of this church and we are fellow laborers of His Gospel. We teach Holiness with confidence; godliness with contentment; sacrifice with joy. ALL praise belongs to the King Eternal! We offer honor to the faithful members who have made New Life Fellowship the priority of their lives.
A few years ago I preached “Gains and Losses.” I still remember the losses, sometimes even more than the gains. Yet, the Lord has kept us for this moment in time. We are the 11th hour church! We are here for such a time as this.
Pastor Jeffrey Harpole
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