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The New Life StoryThe church began with 22 charter members on October 23, 1955, under the leadership of Rev. R. L. Norris, the founding pastor. The vision was cast to build a church and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to the community. In just a few short years, a new building was constructed, as their dream became a reality. For the first 30 years, several different pastors led the small, but dedicated group of people.In February of 1985, Pastor Mike Cramer preached for the first time at the church, which had only 23 people in attendance. However, Pastor Mike had a vision to effectively reach out with the gospel, and a burning passion to preach the Word of God. His confident belief that "with God all things are possible" helped the people gain a positive perspective. Pastor Mike challenged the congregation to embrace a fresh vision for reaching people. He helped them look through the "eye of faith" and see things not simply as they are, but how they could be through the power of God. On the first Sunday in June of 1985, that handful of people asked Pastor Mike to serve as their pastor as a strategic ministry vision was cast for the future. The strategy included building on the solid foundation of: Biblical preaching with life applications, dynamic worship, a family friendly emphasis with vital youth and children's ministries, a focus on positive Christianity, and special events to "build a bridge" to the community. In just a few short years, the church out grew its landlocked facility in Mishawaka. Consequently, eight acres were purchased and the church campus was relocated to McKinley Highway East (U.S. 20) in Osceola. The church met for three years in a temporary facility while designing the building program of a multi-purpose auditorium, educational classrooms, and offices. After completing phase one in 1992, another building program was launched in 1996. Phase two consisted of an exciting youth facility, expanded classrooms, and a new office complex for the multiple staff. The church also began double worship services on Sunday mornings in 1997 to accommodate the hundreds of people who regularly attend. In March of 1999, the church increased the vision and expanded the New Life campus by purchasing five additional acres of frontage on McKinley. This goal was accomplished with a one-day special offering of over $85,000. In 2002, a visionary theme was adopted: Pay for One; Build Another. Four special offerings were received and $106, 173 was applied toward debt reduction. On May 4, 2003, the church took up another special offering of over $60,000 and paid the remaining balance of Phase One. On November 16, 2003, the Planning Team "unveiled" an exciting vision for the future! Phase three begins with the construction of a new 800-seat worship center and the conversion of the existing auditorium into a gymnasium. On November 23, 2003, the people embraced the vision with a special "kick-off" offering of over $55,000. The goal is to turn the dream into a reality by completing the new worship center by October 2005. Ultimately, The New Life Story is about the power of the gospel to change lives. The powerful influence of a positive Christian message is truly amazing. Helping people build a successful faith on the solid foundation of the Word of God is an incredible joy. To see God take a handful of people and multiply them into a congregation of several hundred is a tribute to the truth: "with God all things are possible." In the words of the great hymn, we humbly say: "To God be the glory, great things He has done!" (c)2004 New Life Baptist Church. All rights reserved. New Life Baptist Church... www.NewLifeBaptist.net ... NewLife@SurfPure.com ... Phone 574-674-2868 |
