Day Of Thanks Celebration! (Church Property Paid in Full)

        Sunday, May 3, 2015 will go down in history as the day we said, "Thank You Jesus for paying off the church property ($420,000 in 14 years) because without You, it would have never been possible!"  It was a beautiful day that began with powerful worship, followed by prayer and testimonies from Russell Nelson, Mike Nelson, and LaDonna Myers.

    Russell shared how the $5 Rock Shows brought the church and community together to raise thousands of dollars toward our vision.  15 Rock Shows combined raised $8,822.  This also gave young bands an opportunity to share and develop their music and talents with a friendly audience. 

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    Mike talked about how everyone in the church came together in the most tremendous heat to sell fireworks which raised thousands more to get us even closer to paying off the property.  Everything flowed smoothly and everyone worked together.  It was an opportunity that came at the perfect time which raised $10,000.

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    LaDonna also shared how the women of Joy united to raise money that helped us get that much closer to  reaching our vision.  Through all the banding together, the blood, the sweat, and the tears, God gets all the praise!  And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (Galatians 6:9)

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        Pastor J.C. then preached a powerful message entitled "Give God The Thanks!" and also shared the history of Joy Christian Ministries, where we came from and how we got to where we are now.  You can listen to the message below to get all the details and to hear the incredible things that took place.  The history begins at about the 06:40 mark.

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The burning of the mortgage.

        After the message, Pastor J.C. and his wife LaDonna came together to burn the mortgage, signifying the end of one chapter and the beginning of something new.  Phase One is now in the past, but the vision doesn't die there!  God is still moving within His church to do a special work, to save, to touch lives, to renew minds, to set free, to heal wounds, to take back what the devil stole, to deliver, and to dwell among His people. 

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        The service concluded with The Joy Worship Team singing a song entitled, "Thanks".  It was the perfect ending to phase 1 of our vision and a great transition into phase 2.  As we continue to fix our attention on God, He will continue to do a great and marvelous work in our lives, and in His church.  You can listen to the song below.  Mitchell Menezes: electric guitar; Katie Clark: acoustic guitar; Claude Hampton; vocals; Pastor J.C. Myers: sax; LaDonna Myers: piano; Russell Nelson: bass; Brandon Myers:  drums; All: vocals.

        Oh yeah!  You can't have a celebration without cake and cupcakes.  After the service we took a group picture to memorialize the event, then ate some cake, and enjoyed a time a fellowship.