It was June 6th, 1976, that the vision began with worship service on Sunday evenings at 33 Augusta Street, Irvington (in the Salvation Army Building). After the excitement of the Grand Opening, we settled down to do the work of the Lord. Once a month, Christian films were shown which drew many souls to Christ, the young as well as the old. Many young people made commitments to follow Jesus at every showing, with such great response that it became necessary to begin Sunday school. The church's greatest involvement in its beginning was its interaction with youth. In addition to Sunday school, many trips were taken to museums, Wall Street, amusement parks, and more. All of this took place in an effort to introduce our youth to the many varieties of safe, wholesome, and enjoyable activities that they could participate in, while learning to "love God with all their heart, soul, and might”.
After a little more than one year of services, we outgrew Augusta Street and found it necessary to purchase the Christian Scientist Church at 43 Harrison Place. It took all of one service to outgrow the sanctuary. The church was full to capacity as the saints would gather to worship and fill every available spot including stairways, and during warm weather, the porch for seating.
Crusades were held: Brooklyn, NY; Bronx, NY; East Orange, and other parts of New Jersey, as well continued revivals in the south and other parts of the country. In May, 1982, while moving again to another sanctuary, 801 Springfield Avenue, Irvington, the voice of the Lord spoke, "We've only just begun." So we continued ministry, now with 2 properties available for use. We expanded our services to the community with summer youth programs, which provided trips and activities for kids, ages 4-13, and summer jobs for teens. The congregation continued to grow, and with much enthusiasm to work, many projects were launched. We began holding seasonal fellowship dinners at the church for seniors and patients from nearby nursing homes and hospitals who were confined, which included short worship services, where the choir would sing, the children would make presentations, and the membership would serve meals and show love. We participated in a feeding program for the homeless and hungry families from the community, and distributed food and clothing when there were needs. Once again, because of growth, it became necessary to find a larger facility for worship, 815-17 Springfield Avenue, Irvington, NJ; where we presently continue to work and serve the community.
In an effort to meet the needs of our community, different ministries, both past and present began to bud: (Proverbs 11:30): The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise."
Maranatha Christian Academy (Pre-school through 8th grade) - the vision to minister to young people and families in the community through Christian Education began when the school opened its doors in September of 1979, and operated until June, 1991. Over the years the school grew to a student enrollment of over 200 students. During this time, many young people were touched and ministered to through the Word of God, as well as encouraged to be high achievers, and families have been won to Christ. The school was forced to close, however, we have not suffered defeat nor has the vision died, for we rejoice for each soul that has accepted Jesus Christ and those yet to come. We rejoice for each young life that was touched, enhanced, and encouraged to be all that they could be and not settle for second best. We have seen the results in many of the students who have completed college, and returned to show their appreciation and those that have become responsible adults, working and contributing to their several communities.
The membership has made an increased commitment over the years toward consecrating their lives totally to the service of Christ, producing powerful results in the lives of the believers and in the service to the community. As the church continues to reach out to lost souls, the discouraged, and the forgotten, we pray that we can make a difference. Our primary purpose is to let the world know that Jesus Christ is the way. So, we continue to increase in number as the Lord increases our borders.
As the Deliverance Jesus Is Coming Association has continued to grow, other churches have blossomed, so in 1992 it became necessary to make the Association the umbrella of the organization, rename the local assembly the Deliverance Jesus Is Coming Church/Association (Headquarters). Under the umbrella there are new ministries that span the U.S. and abroad.
As a united body, we will continue the mission that we have been called to in reaching our brothers and sisters: to aid them, lift them, and share the gospel of Jesus Christ with them.