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Household of Israel Temple of Jesus Christ

How Our Church Began

Our church began as a mustard seed, which is one of the smallest seeds to grow. It started with my father and mother who worshiped together first a at Seventh Day Adventist church in Mississippi, then to another church called Church of God and Saints of Christ and eventually worshiping at home with their eleven children. We learned things from these two churches. From the Seventh Day Adventist church we learned that the seventh day was the true sabbath. From the Church of God and Saints of Christ we learned that black people from Africa as slaves were the true Children of Israel. Both churches believed in the ten commandments and the Seventh Day Adventist believed in the food laws however, when we left these two churches we studied at home. We learned a great deal more from the bible from our parents than these churches. As we grew up our parents learned that they had children who were musicians, writers

As we grew up, some of my brothers and sisters went to school, married and left home, yet they continued to worship in our home and brought their children. However, my parents’ home was too small therefore we did worship at two of my brothers’ homes.

In 1971 my sister met some people at school who told her they were the true Jews that came here from Africa as slaves. She told them that her family already knew this and introduced them to our family. They were surprised at our knowledge about God and would come over to discuss the bible.

Unfortunately, our home too small to accommodate many people so my mother decided to rent a pavilion each Sabbath to have worship with them and teaching the laws of God and the testimonies of Jesus Christ so they would understand what they must do to be saved.

Eventually we separated and became two different churches. We worshiped at my oldest brother’s home until we needed more space. In 1992 we found a small church to rebuild and was able to worship there. We call it Household of Israel Temple of Jesus Christ in Gary Indiana. We wrote a covenant book. We elected elders and we began paying tithes. We followed the state laws for churches and was able to get tax exempt status. Eventually we lost the founder of the church, but we pressed on as our church continued to grow.

As time went on, we added a sanctuary which could hold about a hundred people, we added a larger bathroom and kitchen and a multipurpose room for children’s classes where we reside today. As our church grew and the young adults went to schools, some married, and moved to other cities, our church began to shrink of people. Yet our church continued to grow spiritually as others joined or returned. We created our church website and we added podcast, classes and sermons. We celebrated our all-church birthday commemorating our beginning and start.

We learned and kept all of the feast days that God commanded us in Leviticus 23 and added the Feast of Dedication and Purim. We created Asaph Ministries and have a Music Director and Chief Musician of songs, music, and praise written by members of the church and they created 5 albums. We acknowledge the full throne of God. Some people joined us and some people left us as we are being led by the Holy Spirit.

By: G. Colleen Henry, Elder

Painting of the Booth Church by Evelyn C. Pointer, Elder

This Is God’s Chuch (Our Anthem)

Written By: Elisabeth C. Tunstall, Music Director

Music By: Asaph Ministries

(Refrain)

This is God’s church, this is God’s house

We are one with Christ and a beacon of light

This is God’s church, this is God’s house

We are one with Christ

We’re the Household of Israel

Temple of Jesus Christ

And from the past up to the present

We have struggled in life

Many loved ones were lost

And also left behind

But the sacrifice will prove worthy

When we gain eternal life (Refrain)

Let the Spirit guide us

As we obey the law

For the hope that resides in us

Will move us closer to God

And the vow in our hearts

Must show through our works

And the faith that we have in him

Will inspire our growth (Refrain)

We are bound to the gospel

We exhort the word

For the testament that he gives

Must take root in our hearts

As we lean on his breast

We gain comfort from him

Though the battle wounds may seem deep

We’re restored by his strength (Refrain)

From one Sabbath to another

We worship our God

Finding pleasure in his truth

Sanctified by his law

For this covenant

Is both holy and true

And in keeping this perfect day

His light shines in you (Refrain)

Majoie Walls

Church Mother

FAVORITE SCRIPTURE

"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust."

Psalms 91: 1

Deick Ponte

Church Pastor

FAVORITE SONG

“Seal My Heart"

FAVORITE SCRIPTURE

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.”

Proverbs 3: 5-8

We pray for you dear Sister Marjorie night and day. Continue in the faith of our lord and savior Jesus Christ. Fight the good fight and a crown of righteousness awaits you.

Amen �

G. Coleen Henry Church

Elder

FAVORITE SONG

“Open Your Eyes & See the Sun of God“

FAVORITE SCRIPTURE

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Proverbs 3: 5-6

“The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.” Get well soon Marjorie!

Deboah Grigsby Church Elder

FAVORITE SONG

“In Your Arms“

FAVORITE SCRIPTURE

""O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever......".

Psalms 136

You are a very strong and faithful saint of God. He will always be with you no matter what. Even though you have to go through this He will always be there for you. Love you!

April Jackso Church

Elder

FAVORITE SONG

“I Don’t Want to Be Free From the Lord“

FAVORITE SCRIPTURE

"O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever."

I Chronicles 16: 34

Always give thanks to the Lord and remember how far you’ve come in righteousness. Don’t give up and always overcome Satan. Love you!

Evelyn C. Ponte Church Elder

FAVORITE SONG

"Brighter Days Draweth Nigh"

FAVORITE SCRIPTURE

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.¶. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

John 1: 1-14

Marjorie you are my dear sister, and are always in my heart. You have been an example to me and every one else of devotion and service to God and to others. You and I worked together side by side in the Lord’s house. I’ve seen you overcome obstacles and climb mountains and you never lost faith. Be strong and faithful like Abraham. God has a victory for you and all of us. From your baby sister!

Michelle Davis

Feast Day Coordinator

FAVORITE SONG

“A Friend Indeed“

FAVORITE SCRIPTURE

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

Philippians 4: 13

Hi Auntie Marjorie,

Toy Davis

Church Member

FAVORITE SONG

“Rally On”

FAVORITE SCRIPTURE

"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.”

Revelation 21: 1-7

Auntie Marjorie. hope you get well soon. We miss & love the mother of our church! Hope to see you soon. From Bro. Tony

Andre Williams

Master of Ceremony & Lead Percussionist

FAVORITE SONG

“Brighter Days Draweth Nigh“

FAVORITE SCRIPTURE

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

John 16: 33

I just want you to know that you’re continually in my thoughts and prayers. Despite difficult times, God is with you, holding you close and giving you strength for each day. I pray that he brings you comfort, peace, and a complete healing. Take this time to rest and get better, trust that you are surrounded by love and covered by His grace. You are a trailblazer in His truth, thus you are not walking alone. Your family in Christ is with you always, and we love you.

Melissa C. Ponte

Guitarist

FAVORITE SONG

“Great Lamb of God

FAVORITE SCRIPTURE

"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.”

Psalms 23

No matter what life throws our way, I know that God will not forsake his children. We live in difficult times and it is like we are under attack. Satan does this to cloud our vision. But the light Christ makes it plain and evident before our eyes that salvation draws closer and closer. We have to fight. Fight for ourselves. Fight for our family and fight for this church that God has blessed us with. I love you always Auntie Marjorie. I want you to fight. Be strong and work hard so that you can walk in the sanctuary and praise God. Stand tall as the oak tree you are. God bless you and my prayers are always with you!

Eboy Williams

Feast Day Coordinator

FAVORITE SONG

“My Prayer for Peace“

FAVORITE SCRIPTURE

"Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom……”

Psalms 51

Dear Auntie Marjorie,

I’m lifting you up in prayer, asking God for your complete healing.

I pray that his peace will surround you and guide your heart. I pray also that your strength will increase and that his presence will comfort you. May each day bring you hope and progress. You are not alone. We’re here for you, cheering you on and believing for better days ahead.

Love, Ebony

Mak Davis

Chief Musician

FAVORITE SONG

“Help Me Overcome“

FAVORITE SCRIPTURE

"In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”

John 14: 2

Dearest Auntie Marjorie, May God continue to bless and strengthen you. He never leaves us even through our most trying times. Continue to set such a strong example of faith and courage. I am praying for a speedy recovery for you. We all love and miss you.

Bro Mark

Elisabeth C. Tunstall

Music Director

FAVORITE SONG

“Glory Hallelujah“

FAVORITE SCRIPTURE

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 8: 35-38

No matter what life throws our way, I know that God will not forsake his children. We live in difficult times and it is like we are under attack. Satan does this to cloud our vision. But the light of Christ makes it plain and evident before our eyes that salvation draws closer and closer. We have to fight. Fight for ourselves. Fight for our family and fight for this church that God has blessed us with. I love you always Auntie Marjorie. I want you to fight. Be strong and work hard so that you can walk in the sanctuary and praise God. Stand tall as the oak tree you are. God bless you and my prayers are always with you!

Krystal Grigsby Church Member

FAVORITE SONG

“In the Garden”

FAVORITE SCRIPTURE

"A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.”

Psalms 9: 7

I love you, Sis. Marjorie, and you are constantly in my prayers. I pray that God will heal you and restore your strength, bringing you back to full health so that you can return to church. You are truly missed, and we are all praying and thinking of you.

John Grigsby

Church Member

FAVORITE SONG

“I Hear the Calling from the Lord”

FAVORITE SCRIPTURE

""In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.”

John 1: 1-5

Stay strong. Stay faithful. You been a great example ever since I was a child. Love you Grandma Marjorie!

Drelen Williams

Percussionist

FAVORITE SONG

“Without Jesus”

FAVORITE SCRIPTURE

"In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.”

Psalms 18: 6

May God surround you with peace, restore your health, and remind you how loved you are by your church family. Even in this season, your strength and faith continue to inspire so many. I’m praying that each day brings you renewed comfort, strength, and steady healing. May you feel God’s presence with you every step of the way.

Desiae Williams

Percussionist

FAVORITE SONG

“Take These Spiritual Chains”

FAVORITE SCRIPTURE

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

Philippians 4: 13

I’m in continuous prayer for you day after day. Life in the flesh is tough as challenges appear left and right, but God strengthens us time and time again. You carry a testimony that is inspiring to the entire congregation. You are a true example of what it means to be follow after Christ. We love you, we stand with you, we miss you, and will stay in prayer for you.

Devin Williams

Trumpeter

FAVORITE SONG

“Comfort Me”

FAVORITE SCRIPTURE

"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust….”

Psalms 91

Your faith in Christ has brought you a long way, and will continue to do so. Although you have been expecting trials and tribulations, continue to remember the power of the Lord, and the importance of his will and his hand. His power is mighty, and so is your strength. Continue to praise God, give him the glory, and don’t allow your troubles to takeover your devotion toward the Lord. Continue to take care of yourself the way you would for someone you Love. Stay strong!

Love, Devin