Page 32 - ALMI 20th Anniversary Service

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Miami Florida, & Bishop Washington Williams of New Canaan Baptist Church, Freeport, Grand Bahama. The commissioning of Abundant Life Ministries International was held on Sunday, June 3rd 2001.
In July 2001, being guided by a Divine Vision to build a city for the Lord, Bishop Williams and the members of ALMI began to pursue the acquisition of a parcel of land on the Leeward Highway on which to erect the city. Under divine instructions Bishop Williams led the members in a march from the Worship Center on the Airport Road to the property on the Leeward Highway. This March; infused with powerful faith, the powerful sounds of trumpets, prayer and praise; was repeated for seven mornings from 6am to 7am. On the 7th morning the march culminated in the property being marched around 7 times, as it was claimed for the abode of “Christian City”.
On August 1st 2001, the very same property, 2.5 acres, was purchased by way of a loan from Provident Limited. Construction began September 10, 2001, and as a construction company could not be afforded to sphere head the project, monies, materials and labor was donated by Members, Followers and Well-Wishers across the Turks & Caicos Islands.
An Executive Board was formed in October 2001 to ensure good governance of the ministry. This board comprised 12 members, namely; Secretary, Treasurer, Public Relations, Minister of Outreach and Evangelism, New Believers Minister, Men’s Ministry Director (Men of Valor), Christian Education Minister, Director of Women’s Ministry (Daughters of Zion), Minister of Music, Director of Usher Department, Elder and Chairman. The Board has since been expanded to include three additional Director positions for the Children’s Ministry, Dance Ministry and Media Department.
ALMI celebrated its first anniversary on January 14th, 2002 with an empowering summit “Living the Abundant Life”. Guest speakers
were Bishop V. G Clarke of Calvary Deliverance Ministries and Minister Zendal Carey of Nassau, Bahamas. The Summit was originally designed for the members of ALMI, however upon hearing of the move of God during the initial sessions of the Summit, members of the community wanted to experience what God was doing amongst ALMI family. Bishop Williams therefore opened the Summit doors to the general public so that the Country as a whole could be further empowered.
The years 2002 and 2003 were times of great struggle, testing of faith, sacrifices and hard labor for the Abundant Life family as all energies were centered on the construction of the Chapel and Diplomat Center. Yet during those turbulent years, faith in God and the vision remained alive as each stage of the construction was completed. In 2003, in an act of faith the congregation moved from the Masonic Lodge Building on the Airport Road to Christian City on the Leeward Highway, and commenced worship services there even though the building was yet without a roof, windows or doors. One Sunday morning, when the building was in this said state, heavy rains came pouring down, but with no impact on the service because the presence of the Lord was so alive and strong that drenched worshippers sat in the rain worshipping God as Bishop Williams ministered the word of God.
This is the year we win: This is the year we end strong!
January 2004 was ushered in with this declaration of faith and in preparation for this glorious victory; ‘The Purpose Driven Life’ seminar was hosted shortly thereafter to help to propel the ministry to realization of this prophetic word.
The months following could only be described as “Hard Work, Faith and Anticipation” as on June 13th 2004, the Chapel and Diplomat Centre were dedicated unto the Lord. Persons came with much anticipation and excitement; with the sanctuary filled and overflowing. The Guest
Speaker for this historic event was Rev. Timothy Steward of Bethel Baptist Church in Nassau Bahamas and Guest Artist was Minister Simeon Outten of the CD Freedom. The Spirit of God rose up in the building and a spirit of giving took over as pastors and well-wishers pledged and made contributions towards the work of God.
The year 2005 was heralded as “The Church of Jesus Christ Coming Alive in 2005”. In March of 2005, we celebrated our fourth Back to the Bible conference. Guest speakers were Bishop Carlos Malone, Pastor Helen McPhee and Co-Pastor Darlene Bishop of Monroe, Ohio. Guest artists were acclaimed Gospel Recording Artists, Vickie Winans and Simeon Outten. This conference greatly surpassed the ones of prior years, both in attendance and delivery and propelled the ministry to yet another level.
January 2006 was deemed the year of Dominion and Authority”. Highlights during this year were:
• Our Back to the Bible conference With guest speakers; Bishop Noel Jones, Pastor Sheryl Brady, Rev., Dr. Jamal Bryant and Awarding Winning Gospel Recording Artist Pastor Donnie McClurkin.
• The presentation of Motor vehicles to members of the church.
• A one night Men’s crusade under the theme “Ain’t no Dog in me”. This service was televised via WIV Channel 4 and from all reports it was a tremendous blessing to the entire nation.
• We continued to be a caring church with the year culminating in December with our very first Annual Senior Citizens Banquet. This event was created to honor those in our community whom Bishop Williams refer to as ‘Trailblazers’ of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The Senior Citizens Banquet remains one of our signature events for the
ABUNDANT LIFE MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL