People began to come to this old firehouse we converted into a church. Being led
by the Spirit Rev. Hawkins purchased 200 chairs. Knowing that the facility could only hold about 120 people. Little did he
know then, with only 50 members, that God was going to fill all of those 200 chairs before he would move from that location.
However the day did come after only 4 short years. It became obvious that they would need a larger facility. The Lord had
impressed on Rev. Hawkins 2 years prior to start looking around for a new facility. Learning that the Chestnut Assembly
of God Church at 1413 Chestnut Ave. in Vineland was for sale, Rev. Hawkins was directed by the Spirit to have V.O.D. start
believing God for that new facility. Even though the task looked impossible, and finances said it could not be done, with
a congregation of only seventy five members at this time, God said to Rev. Hawkins "I give this facility to Voice of Deliverance
New Covenant Church".
When we first inquired about the building the Assemblies of God had the facility listed
for sale at One Million Dollars ($1,000,000). We started to believe God that a fare price could be negotiated. After a year
we finally agreed on a price of Four Hundred and Seventy Five Thousand Dollars ($475,000). Now the task began to find a funding
source that would lend us the money. God blessed us that year and we saved thirty five thousand dollars ($35,000). However,
the next year would be filled with disappointment as we were turned down by lender after lender. It looked like this vision
would not happen.
In the natural realm, the facts presented some obstacles which seemed impossible to overcome:
- a national recession.
- inability of banks to lend money.
- a small congregation of 75 members.
- only being established for 2 years.
But we knew that "with God all things are possible" Math. 19:26. Confirmation came
through Prophesy, God said, "I give you this building for my Glory & Honor".
Lewis Atkinson, an Ex-Bank Vice President and financial consultant, while passing the Assemblies of God
Church was directed by the Spirit of God to help the congregation that was trying to purchase the facility. We were at a dead
end, no where to go. God sent his man to lend us a helping hand. Throwing himself into the seemingly impossible task he tirelessly
worked for months putting together a package that would be acceptable to the lending institutions.
Armed with his untiring devotion and with God's help he was able to secure a commitment
from the Farmers & Merchants Bank of Bridgeton. After two years of standing on what God had said to the little congregation,
on Jun 18, 1993 we went to settlement on our facility at 1413 Chestnut Avenue. The property has a main building housing the
main sanctuary, a smaller sanctuary, a nursery, 8 class rooms, 4 offices, a kitchen, and storage room. Also on the property
is a parsonage, a warehouse, and room to grow. From this facility Voice of Deliverance will be able to continually expand
its ministries. Reaching into the communtity with God's word and promise, sharing God's love and healing power.
