A New Church Established in Iowa
As pastor of this new church and an instrument of which God used to help bring this new work into to being, I was asked by my Regional Overseer to write a concise article for the Evening Light about how God worked to bring this local church to fruition! The word concise in itself is a challenge for me but I will try.
I have been an Evangelist in God’s church since 1958, my husband Theodore a Bishop and we both we in the pastoral ministry since we were licensed. I joined the Church in 1941 and had an active role in leadership from the beginning. From then until 1973-1976 we pastored in Minnesota for approximate 4years but the majority of our ministry was active and spent in building God’s Church in Iowa.
I believe because we were well known and had a proven track record God felt he could call upon me to answer the call to work toward the Revival and Restoration of God’s Church in Co. Bluffs, Iowa.
I have never been a fan or user of Face Book, but my Overseer at that time, E. Roger Ammons kept pressing me to participate and I finally succumbed and set up a Face Book page in my name. This I did after my husband’s passing and an approximate 2 years ago. From that came correspondence from two families that could no longer stay in the former organization and their lamenting that they had to draw from the past to have any source of good memories, happiness and strength. The future was bleak for them as they did not know that God’s Church was alive and well! And hence began the road to Restoration!
In time a visit was made to our local church in Des Moines where our Overseer, Bro. Donald Estep 2 was in charge of District Convention. They took knowledge that this indeed was the Church of God! Much correspondence took place, and meetings were held and in an October Meeting held in a meeting room at the Holiday Inn Express 3 renewed their Covenant and 1 backslider who had come back to God and 1 brand new member took covenant bringing total of 5 who were joined to God’s church that wonderful and glorious day. This was done by Speaker Phone with Overseer Donald Estep 2 administering the covenant! All of heaven’s glory came down. The meeting was moderated by Sister Eleanor Clemens, with Sis. Brenda Albizures Pastor of the Des Moines, Iowa church assisting. A total of 21 present of which 2 were visitors and now attending service in our local church in Council Bluffs.
That very day, November 6th, 2011 was set as the day Bro. Estep would make an Official Visit to Des Moines church. After a lovely dinner prepared by Frank Cleaver,Jr we were on the road again to Council Bluffs with the majority going with us.
The meeting was held in the Sutton and Donalyn Christiansen home. At the request of Sis. Clemens a Communion and Feet washing service was conducted…followed by setting the church in order.
Pastor was installed…officers appointed and everything in place to function as a newly organized church. The church has a small yet a significant beginning. We have a baby grand piano, a beautiful pulpit, folding chairs, 50 of our favorite “ Blue” hymnals, A set of lovely large Church Flags, new flooring for a large room on the upper floor of the Christiansen home that has been newly painted to be used for church until God provides us with a building…please help us pray. God’s Church is dwelling temporally in the upper room!
We are a financial sound church, doing exceptionally well for our membership size and God is in our midst! We love God, we love his church the very one which Christ purchased on Calvary’s Cross with his own blood. We are excited and we have a mind to work!
All for God’s honor and Glory.
Eleanor Clemens :pastor
Following dismissal a lovely and delicious luncheon which was prepared by the host church. It was enjoyed and fellowship lingered. A tired and happy group of warriors made their way back to their respective homes. Sis . Albizures and Sis. Clemens arrived in Gardner, Ks about 2:00 am. Sis Brenda was up at six and hit the road for Des Moines and work. She reported God wonderfully sustained her and she was not tired all day! To God be All Glory!
No comments:
Post a Comment