At that time they had no money, members, complete plans, organizational structure or place to worship. From October to December 1999, the Core Group met each Saturday at different Core Members homes where they eventually gave birth, by the Grace and Spirit of God, to a name for this ministry. During that time, the core members identified different options for setting up the ministry, developed a form of financial accountability, set up a bank account and targeted appropriate outreach ministries that could be provided to the community.

This dedicated group produced and implemented marketing strategies, made site visits to prospective worship locations and evangelized various communities. It was determined from these meetings that we would target the least, lost, disenfranchised and marginalized among our city, county, state and nation.

On January 2, 2000, the first formal worship service was held at the Marriott Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee. This was a high time of praise as we celebrated a "New Ministry for a New Millennium". The service concluded with over two hundred in attendance and thirty-six new members. During the tenure at the Marriott Hotel, our outreach activities and programs included services for the students and faculty at LeMoyne-Owen College and the University of Memphis. Other services were held at the Paramount Ballroom and at Overton Park. Monthly worship services are conducted by the men of A TOP at the Memphis Union Mission on Poplar, a homeless shelter for men. The women of ATOP provide a monthly worship service at Seek for the Old Path, a homeless shelter for women, children and families.

In October 2000, the Lord blessed us with a stable location and we moved from the Marriott Hotel and leased space from Koinonia Baptist Church where our services were held in their Family Life Center at 4283 Millbranch Road. Additional outreach ministries took shape.

They include: - Maintenance of a Mini Health and Wellness Library - Initiation of a 12-Step Program for Alcohol and Cocaine Addictions - An HIV Counseling Program - Praise Team Ministry - Intercessory Prayer - Usher Ministry - Encouragement Ministry - Sunday School - Children/Youth Ministry - Women's Fellowship - Tape Ministry (VHS and Cassette) - Annual family month, entrepreneur showcase, and various annual programs.

In March 2002 we purchased the former Evangel Church of the Assemblies of God at 3939 Riverdale Road for $1.4 million. This ministry has been blessed with rapid growth with gifts of encouragement and love. Since moving into our new church home in southeast Memphis, the following ministries and outreach programs have been developed: ~ Men's Fellowship ~ Financial management seminars ~ Court Appointed Special Advocates program ( CASA) ~ Publicity/Marketing ministry ~ Leadership Summits ~ Job training program for individuals with disabilities ~ Angel Tree sponsor

We continue our journey with an attitude of anticipation, jubilation, and expectancy as we follow God's lead toward higher praise for what He is going to direct to this ministry through the leadership of our Anointed Shepherd, Pastor Thomas Lewis Murray. Praise God for the anointing of this ministry -Amen!

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