Each year, we set aside this special time to celebrate God's favor and to reflect upon the years of our journey in the ministry. Only through Christ who strengthen us, can we share the following testimony of 17 years of God's favor. This is our story:
A Great Vision - In 1987 Apostle Robert Turner received a vision from God that he was to leave Woodbridge, VA. God instructed him to relocate his family to Florence, AL, the city of his birth, and establish a church that would be called New Birth Ministries. Only a vision from God could inspire a man to take such a bold step.
Nothing But Faith - Apostle and Prophetess Turner left the security of a stable job and a lovely home to obey the voice of the Lord. They had no money, no staff, and no building-only enough faith to believe that God would honor his Word and with that, New Birth Ministries was born.
A Humble Spirit - Seeking the will of God more than prestige and the honor of men, Apostle Turner, now "unemployed", moved his family into a small house. Each day, during the business hours, he would leave home and go to the office of the Handy Housing Project to pray, study and seek the Lord's leading concerning the ministry he had been sent to establish.
An Unwavering Commitment - In time, God began to honor the faithfulness of this committed gospel preacher. For one year, Apostle and Prophetess Turner labored faithfully in the Handy Housing Project office laying the foundation for New Birth Ministries. During this time, God added approximately 15 souls to New Birth Ministries, including the Turner family.
An Anointed Work - In 1989, God spoke to Apostle Turner concerning the purchase of a church building. We moved into our church building in 1989 by faith with 15 people and no money. We only had a promise that we would pay $5,000 every six months until the mortgage was paid in full. God confirmed His Word by supplying every financial need, and supernaturally enabling the burning of the Spurr Street church mortgage in 1995 with 50 members. This was never heard of in this rural area in Alabama in a black church. Pastor Turner taught the people in some of our traditional churches to pay tithes, instead of dues. When the people saw the miracle God had done for us, with such a small group, they all knew that tithes and offerings were a part of God’s plan. Through the years, God has opened the windows of heaven and added abundant fruit to this great work. The ministry now includes; an annual harvest of new souls, a bus ministry, a bookstore, a flourishing youth ministry, a strong women's ministry, a dynamic music ministry, a renovated worship facility and educational wing, a fellowship network with numerous major ministries, "Faith Alive"-a local television broadcast that has expanded since 1996, funds to purchase land for the construction of a new sanctuary and more blessings too numerous to list.
Hallelujah! To God be the glory for the things He has done at New Birth Ministries. |