Many sojourners have preceded us in the faith. It is with honor and respect that we tip our hats in gratitude to those who cut the paths and laid the progressive foundation acquired by Journey of Faith UMC. We have become the constituents of the sacrifices of valiant men, women, youth and children who paved the way as God’s anointed forerunners to us. Unbeknownst to them-they were, the epitiome of “faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen” (KJV: Hebrews 11:1). An invaluable legacy operating — under the UMC connection in authorized local churches called, Love, Mount Corinth, and Day Break. JOF, a decisive consolidation since November 24, 2013 called Journey of Faith UMC, jointly under the leadership of Pastors, Dr. Vincent Harris and Pastor Lee Elder; and, later Dr. Vincent Harris.
In 2016 our new church structure was completed and inhabited by the remaining people who reflected on the declared Word, “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” (NRSV: Jeremiah 29:11). Who would realize as far back as the 1950s that our increase would evolve through those who diligently led the way to this place by mapping impressions that have been durably engrained as a viable part of the UMC as a whole. Such substantial cultures have now blended to become one under the persistent lordship of Jesus Christ. Each with the cumulative spiritual fortitude to shift places of worship, salvage symbolic artifacts touched by dedicated members who wrote, learned and sang the words of faith that moved restrictive mountains. Laying spiritual foundations that shall never sink; but, reach higher heights by trustworthy lineage transitioned saint to saint who would courageously touch the hem of of the garment of Jesus.
Through unruffled determination, these realized the victorious results of soul-stirring praying, preaching, singing, missions, paid the dues and were representative Word-Bearers whose contributions will always thrive. A place holder was made for every current constituent who is now a member of JOF through our successive roots of history by Love, Mount Corinth and Day Break investors along with Saint Andrews UMC. Yes! Our eyes do see the glory of the coming of the Lord! Seeds planted in the fertile ground of these churches have proven to be perennials that reap bountiful harvest in due season every time. We hear those sojourners of re-sounding faith whispering to the Kingdom of God, “our faith life was not in vain and our Christ living is always visible to all who choose to see - our Christ acts of faith rose and stayed UP, declaring for our assigned portion of the Kingdom, “I shall not die, but I shall live ,and recount the deeds of the Lord.” (NRSV: Psalm 118:17)
The pastoral lineage since 2017 has transitioned to the leadership of Rev. Stephen Goldsmith who is also a Man of God who is demonstrating church leadership to make functional disciples of Christ who make disciples. Clinging to a clear Vision and Mission, we bear glad tidings and Good News! The word around JOF is that we are united on one accord and we are wealthy in prayer, praise and worship. God is great and greatly to be praised! YOU are invited to join us.