Promise Land Story
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THE STORY OF Promise Land Ministries Church of the narrow way This portion of the story was written by Al Plume Where Did It All Begin?
This being the first edition of The Promise Land News, it would be appropriate to tell the story of Promise Land Ministries Church of The Narrow Way, starting from the first event and ending with the most current event. If told that way then it would simply be about men and how hard they worked, about the long hours they put in and how they suffered though circumstances and trials of many kinds, along with dates, times and places.
But the true story is: Promise Land was birthed out of and into God’s love. By God, not by man.
For it is by grace we have been saved, through faith-- and this not from ourselves, it is the gift of God-- not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Eph 2:8-10. My name is Al, a sinner saved by Grace and a witness to what God The Father, Son and Holy Spirit has done in the lives of people in and around this ministry even before it had the name Promise Land.
Let's see. When did it all begin? Many memories come to mind while pondering this question. Was it as a child when the name of Jesus became familiar? Did it start on a beach in Okinawa when Jesus became real? Could it have been in Denver during humbling and surrendering. Possibly when He poured out His Holy Spirit revealing Himself and the Truth that set men free? Maybe on the trip to Casper, Wyo., when the Holy Spirit came in Power and spoke words that only God knows .... O what a cleansing, a peace and a joy unspeakable with sureness? Was it the hardships, trials, and troubles that come to strengthen our faith and trust in the Lord? Was it God’s Unconditional Love and Compassion that brought about the open house policy that help those in need with food, lodging, clothing, cash, transportation and whatever they needed to get back on their feet, even when they took advantage of God’s Goodness? Was it the woman and wife, Ms. Sandra, whom God blessed with a burden that no other woman could bear? Was it the alcoholic that cut off his hand that started it all? Was it my father, Al Sr. (Pops), a good and faithful servant who came to help? The addict that came through the in home church that taught us what addiction was all about? The prayer of the local church for God to bring the addicts and alcoholics? Or, was it all of the above, and more. Was each of these an integral part of God’s great plan that He prepared in advance? In God’s Will, Promise Land was shaped into the healing ministry it is today. The ministry was birthed out of Love; to love unconditionally and to share all with the least of these, Christ's brothers.
While worshipping, praying, studying, working, and playing together, The Holy Spirit teaches us and brings about His Love, one for another, that heals and changes lives. Love always trusts and never fails (1 Cor. 13:7&8)
One comes, then two, three and four,
In 1988, on Wylie Road in Marietta, GA., Denny, a talented craftsman came, and along with him came my first known experience with alcoholism. During that time he lost his family and home. One day Denny cut off his hand on the table saw. I took him and his hand to the hospital. The repair was an extensive process, but his hand was restored. At the same time it was discovered that Denny was intoxicated and his alcoholism was unveiled. Next came a priceless education and experience. Denny ended up living the last four years of his life sober and serving our Lord and Savior, King Jesus.
On to Kensington Lane in Woodstock, GA. Then came Mark, a carpenter, and a very talented artist. He brought with him the education of a lifetime of crack cocaine addiction. His experience was also the beginning of the Narrow Way Regeneration Outreach Ministry. Then Charley and another education. Then Vinzini, then Dennis, and then more. While on Kensington Lane, a neighbor repeatedly called the police because of what he considered suspicious activity. After the investigation and a drug search the officers gave a clean bill of health and encouraged us to continue our ministry. Police knew the community needed this type of help. Then the same neighbor brought a civil suit against the ministry, but the judge ruled in our favor. But then, surprisingly and unexpectedly, the landlord refused to renew the lease. We were forced to move for the second time.
On to Don John Trail in Woodstock, GA. Here we had a bigger, better place. We had a shop, a game room, and the men had their own living quarters in the lower level. However, once again the landlord refused to renew the lease. We were forced to move for the the third time.
I note here that all the properties were paid for on time, They were will cared for, as if they were our own. Each landlord returned the deposits.
Now came the move to Canton, GA., on Ridge Road. The house and the property were larger. The house had seven bedrooms, three baths, and two kitchens. It was a good thing because the numbers had grown to an average of 12 men. However, this house had no room for a shop where we could earn our keep. The landlord and neighbors within a block of the house were contacted, and they approved putting up a tent in the backyard as a temporary shop.
Promise Land Ministries Kicked out of Cherokee County
In the fall, the leaves fell off the trees and the tent could be seen from the road. A woman from a distant neighborhood stirred up fear because there were recovering alcoholic and drug addicts living in the house. A complaint was filed, a citation was served, and a court date was set. The chairperson of the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners paid us a visit.. She said to us and a reporter with the local newspaper that she was going to intervene. She said she would ask the others to overlook the zoning violation because of the greater good the ministry was doing for the community. The adjoining neighbors made good neighbor statements before the commission and to the newspaper. But per God’s Will, the resistance was too great, and the chairperson gave up. PLM went to court, we received a heavy fine, and we were ordered to tear down the tent. The Atlanta Journal / Constitution quoted the county attorney saying: " We got their business. Now, we’re going after their residence." That very day the County Marshal showed up and issued a citation with nothing on it except the date issued and a court date with these words, "If you pack up -- lock, stock, and barrel -- and move out of Cherokee county by the court date, this citation will be dismissed. Otherwise, you will face a fine of $1,000 per day that you remain beyond the citation date."
Finding the Promise Land
The next day, after taking care of the normal business, the adventure of finding a new home for Promise Land began. Without knowing which way to go, or what was being looked for, we all agreed with a simple prayer, "Jesus, lead the way." So we went north on Hwy. 575 to Hwy. 515 to Hwy. 108, looked around, but found nothing. We continued north passed Jasper, and the cell phone rang. The voice on the other end introduced himself and said, "I’m looking for Al Plume." "You found him," I replied. He continued, "I have a piece of property that is a perfect match for Promise Land. It has a house and a church on it." I replied, " You’ve got my interest, I need to see it today." He answered, "The owners are in Florida, and I have an appointment and can’t show it today. But I’ll see what can be done." The phones were hung up, and the trip continued north about twenty minutes. The phone rang again, and he said, " Got permission to see the property, it is in Ellijay." I answered, " I am in Ellijay." The evidence of a miracle was unfolding.
Acquiring Promise Land
In the course of further conversation, the agent made reference to owner financing and recommended thirty to fifty thousand dollars down. Passing on the new info to our church and others who cared, after a short period of time it was evident that no one was coming forward with thirty to fifty thousand dollars. A few days later, the Spirit impressed me to offer what you have. Two thousand dollars?, I questioned, and again "Offer what you have!" I got up from my desk, told Ms Sandra I was going to offer what we have, started out the door and the phone rang. On the other end was the father of one who had gone through the program. He asked me what I was up to and I told him, and He said to include him in for a thousand. I said then we’ll offer three thousand, hung the phone up and started out the door and the phone rang again. It was a friend, an attorney. He told me that he had felt compelled to call me and let me know that he and his wife had mailed a thousand dollars the day before. I thanked them and said then we’ll offer four thousand. Before I got to the real-estate office, I had five to offer. In short, the offer was turned down. Within a day, the agents had gotten the property owner and I together. We discussed Kingdom Work and the purpose for the work he had done on the property. At the end of the conversation, he told me that if we would make it ten thousand and move his things he would accept the offer. I asked him to give me a week. Over the next week, many of the brothers and sisters from our church and other churches rallied to the cause. In ten days, Promise Land Ministries had moved into their new home. Thank you one and all for caring for the least of these and being so generous. May God richly bless you a hundredfold.
On The Mountain
The first wake up call at Promise Land was a warm July morning. The sun was just breaking through the treetops. The church PA system softly playing; By The Power of Your Love, the Spirit was shining through everyone present. We gathered in thankfulness for our morning meeting. The Spirit of the Lord has been upon this place everyday. The next eleven months was spent getting settled in, building showers and a laundry in the church nursery and a kitchen in the out building, beds, clothing racks and shelves. Then getting permits for added living quarters, expanding existing septic systems and putting in new septic systems, getting mobile homes delivered and set up. Setting up the shop for production, obtaining and producing the work, getting the field work (remodeling and building) set up locally while supporting the ministry with work in Cherokee, Cobb and Fulton Counties. All while dealing with, nurturing, ministering, counseling fifteen to twenty men everyday and setting up and conducting six meetings and three church services a week. The number of people helping the ministry has increase and the staff has also increased. There are no salaries or wages being paid. All monies generated goes back into the ministry.
Many have been sentenced here by judges, many stipulated here by probation, many brought by pastor, many by parents and many more on their own, but all though humility by the Grace of God.
'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' (Mat. 25:31-46 )
We here thank The Lord, King Jesus, for letting us be a part of the Great Work He is doing here at Promise Land. If you are lead to be a part of this ministry which is a matter of life or death, please, come see us. Call us. Write us.
If there is anything you can do, please do it. We need your help. Thank you and may our Gracious Father bless you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. *******************************************************************
This portion of the story is an exert from
a The Church invests for the long term The principles of the Church, for two years, seriously made every effort possible to get permanent financing, but each effort fell short of the need. Before finally, turning it over to the Lord to do with as He wills. Five days before the dead line a call from the International Pentecostal Holiness Church (IPHC) came saying they would meet the need and they did. Praise God!! God is never early; He is never late. He is always right on time. The financial agreement enabled Pastor Plume to commit to expanding the Church's outreach and exploring new opportunities. When the Church arrived in Ellijay, fifteen men seeking salvation and release from the bondage of substance abuse came with us. These men moved into the sanctuary and lived there comfortably "open-dormitory" style. From the beginning it has been the policy of our ministry that no man should be denied the chance to build a personal relationship with Jesus Christ -- the only way a man can be freed from the bondage of drug and alcohol dependency. Therefore, no man who has the need and wants help has ever been turned away. Also, no man has ever been charged anything, no rent, no fees, nothing. For what God has for us, the only thing that really works is fee, truly free, but it will cost them everything and it's worth far greater than their everything. It's a gift, it has been purchase for them by Christ. Thus, the large demand for Promise Land Ministries Church of The Narrow Way, Men's Ministry. And here too asking and trusting God, in the Name of Jesus Christ, to provide for a women's ministry. And we thank You O' Lord for "The Hope House" for women. Within a few months, 25 men were here seeking salvation. In a few more months, there were 35 men. After one year, there were over 45 men residing in the sanctuary of the Church. At that time, a decision was made that with God's help and the support of concerned Christians a new dormitory would be built on the property that would comfortably house 100 men. As envisioned the two-level guesthouse will have 50 two-man rooms, with one bathroom for every four men, a large recreation area, and a kitchen and dining area. The dormitory would be built with monies generated by our residents here and with funds contributed by our benefactors. To boost the expansion plan, a $20,000 metal building was donated to the ministry to be used as an operations center to ensure that Promise Land would become self-supporting. Also, a portable sawmill was purchased at a greatly reduced price that would provide a revenue center and a means of cutting and curing wood for the furniture/cabinet shop and camp site projects. To this point in time there has been more than 2000 men go though the Promise Land's Men's Ministry. More then 50% successfully recovered and living Christ Centered Lives, Praise God!! He Is Faithful. *****************************************************************************
This portion of the story was written by Al Plume
Judge Orders Church Men's Ministry Closed Referring to the paid advertisement, “ATTENTION CHRISTIANS,” in the Times-Courier September 25, 2003. We too are Concerned Christians of New Hope Community. We are Promise Land Ministries Church of The Narrow Way of which I am the Pastor, and my name is Al Plume. To Set The Record Straight The advertisement (letter) referred to the Christian Community Town Meeting held Sept. 8, hosted by Bible Baptist Church Pastor Euel Reece. The meeting was attended by 16 pastors and over 100 concerned Christians of the Gilmer County community. The primary result of that meeting was the founding of a new organization, “Christians for Americans.” Although this movement is far too late to help Promise Land Ministries Church of The Narrow Way (we are already in the court system). This movement will help prevent what happened to us from happening to you and your Church in the future. What has happened to Promise Land should not have happened anywhere in the United States of America, but it did. It is the spark that ignited the fire burning here in Gilmer County, and spreading throughout Georgia, and is one of the many sparked fires burning throughout the U. S. “Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment." John 7:24 NIV. According to the Court Order The shut down of the program was due to the following: 1) A well that was not permitted for use by the number of people being served. 2) Serving food without a current food service permit. 3) Septic systems that were not permitted for the number of people utilizing the same. 4) We were ordered to provide the Department of Human Resources a description of the regeneration/rehabilitation program in order to determine whether or not we should be controlled by the State. Of the 200 plus violations cited, which included such things as tearing down buildings, remodeling kitchens, moving the Church heating and air conditioning systems in the attic of our Church, that were previously approved by the Gilmer County Building Inspector. There are three on site items remaining, leaving 197 plus items resolved. That’s 98.5 percent brought into compliance. That in itself demonstrates that Promise Land is abiding by the law, Promise Land is not holding on to iniquity, and Promise Land is submitting to the government. There is no one residing on the property except those allowed by the court. But wait, there’s more. Item (1): The well has been done by Hampton Well Company, and the permit is in process. Item (2): We have a Limited Food Service Permit issued in early 2000 by Jes Posey, retired Gilmer County Environmental Health Department director. We have made an appeal to the EHD for a hearing on this matter. Item (3): The septic system was permitted by Jes Posey in early 2000, for more men than the Fire Department will allow to reside at Promise Land. We have made an appeal to the EHD for a hearing on this matter. Promise Land Ministries Church of The Narrow Way did not have the opportunity to present our case, and we are appealing these two items to the EHD. We will keep you all posted. “Any story sounds true until someone tells the other side and sets the record straight.” Prov. 18:17 TLB There has been one common thread throughout all this. That is, Promise Land’s side has not been told. Even in the courtroom Promise Land did not get the opportunity to present its’ case, witnesses, nor evidences. Not even to call one of its’ many witnesses, of which some drove hours to get to the court each court day. One of our witnesses, Guy Hill Sr., owner of Hill Aircraft, based at Charlie Brown Airport, was ordered by his doctor to go to Piedmont Hospital on the day of one of our scheduled days in court. Instead, Mr. Hill had another one of our strongest supporters drive him here from Union City to testify. Although, suffering acute cardiac pain and shortness of breath while waiting to be heard, Mr. Hill never had the opportunity to testify. Therefore, the Concerned Christians of New Hope Community have yet to get both sides of the story. Has Promise Land been denied due process? The plaintiff brought forth all their witnesses and evidence, then rested their case. The defendant, Promise Land, was not afforded this opportunity. The paid advertisement from an unknown writer stated: “Find out all the facts first, and then you can stand on the truth. This will help prevent gossip, slander, libel and discord among Christians.” Who is Promise Land Ministries Church of The Narrow Way? Frequently referred to as, “Promise Land”, we are a Church, of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. We are “Promise Land Ministries Church of The Narrow Way.” Not Promise Land Ministries and The Church of the Narrow Way. Nor are we the Church of the Narrow Way operating a ministry called Promise Land Ministries. Again, we are “Promise Land Ministries Church of The Narrow Way,” and we have several outreach ministries. Such as is confirmed by Matthew 25:31-46, as saying it is the ones that feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, give shelter to the stranger, visit those who are in jail and care for the sick. Those who do this to the least of them do it unto the Lord. These are His sheep and they inherit eternal life. We ask you for your help in this mission. We help feed between 300 - 500 thousand families per month. We also prepared 240 meals per day. We've provided Gilmer County families food from our pantry. We’ve sent no one away hungry without food. We give drink to the thirsty. We clothe those in need. We gave shelter to the homeless. We visit those in jail and accept their collect calls. We care for the sick. We help whoever asks. All at no charge. We teach, Jesus Christ, and express our faith through love. We have witnessed over 2500 lives saved in the past 19 years. We have witnessed God’s miraculous healing power. We are a Nondenominational Church under the Head, Jesus Christ, and the covering of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church, with a duly licensed minister of the Georgia Conference, and a holder of the Bishops Award. John 14:15 "If you love me, you will obey what I command.” John 15:17 “This is my command: Love each other.” John 13:35 “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” 1 Cor 13:8” Love never fails.” 1 John 4:16 “God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. “
What Really Happened to
Promise Land Ministries Church of The Narrow Way? The North Georgia Medical Center administrator, Jeffrey Dunn, called our office asking to meet. My assistant, Stark Buckner, and I, met with Mr. Dunn at the hospital. Mr. Dunn informed us that over the past few years men who had given our address as their place of residence had built up a substantial bill. Mr. Dunn asked us what we were going to do about the bill? I explained to Mr. Dunn that my Dad had died in his hospital this past November after staying there several weeks. His bill was paid in full. No other member of my family had used the services of North Georgia Medical Center. When men are accepted into our ministry they are asked to sign a release acknowledging that Promise Land Ministries Church of The Narrow Way was not responsible for their medical bills. In the case of medical illnesses, as other Churches, we help where we can. For example, we have an arrangement with Georgia Mountain Health, who provides health care to these men, and my family and staff at very reasonable rates. These bills are paid current. However, in the case of emergencies, we concluded that by 911 emergency laws, we could not prevent our residents from going to the hospital to receive emergency care. Mr. Dunn concluded our meeting by saying he would take the matter to the County Commission. Gilmer County Commissioner, Charles Fowler, who also sets on the hospital’s Board of Directors, called the head of Gilmer County Planning and Building Commission, James Holloway, at home and instructed him to have our ministry shut down. On the morning of April 29, 2003 an entourage of deputy sheriffs, law enforcement rangers and inspectors descended on our property while we were dismissing the morning Bible study. These officials demonstrated contempt with intent by word and deed. James Holloway instructed the other inspectors to find every violation. All that day they were in and out. And the next day the same, and the next day. On May 5, we were visited again. This time we were presented, rushed up hand written, documents pertaining to code violations, a cease food service order and a stop work order. And, incredibly, two warrants were issued for my arrest. One arrest warrant was for an oil spot on the ground, like the ones you would find on some driveways. The other warrant was for a burn pile, for which we had a burn permit. The next day, Praise God, His House Christian Fellowship Church, Pastor Gerald Brown, his wife Majesty and the congregation contributed $6600.00, in cash, to bail me out of jail. Promise Land, His House Christian Fellowship and many others went to work remodeling, installing, repairing, moving and removing, bringing the Church, the kitchen and the property in compliance. While we were in the process of bringing the property into compliance, some noteworthy and enlightening events occurred. James Holloway told the Pastor and a colleague of Atlanta-based Midtown Missions, it would be a waste of money to support Promise Land Ministries Church of The Narrow Way, because, Mr. Holloway was going to close us down. He also told Guy Hill, Founder of Hill Aircraft, the same thing. He also told our electric company, they needed to collect from us because he was going to close us down. And who knows how many more? Charles Fowler, Commissioner, was quoted in the Times-Courier concerning his intent to close Promise Land. Clifford Lancey, County Attorney, exclaimed, when Promise Land compliance was brought before the court, “Judge, it’s not about compliance - it’s about shutting them down, shutting them down!!” Their intent, to close Promise Land Ministries Church of The Narrow Way, has been made obvious! Case in point After bringing the Church property into 98.5 percent compliance, we faxed Ray King, director of the Gilmer County Environmental Health Department and James Holloway. We stated our progress and requested an inspection and a lifting of the stop work order and the right to use our kitchen. Instead, at 9:30 a. m. the following morning, we received a fax informing us of an emergency court hearing at 11:00 a. m., to shut us down. What was the emergency? I’ll tell you what the emergency was. County officials feared they were about to lose control because we were coming into compliance. They had to do something, and they had to do it now! Judge Roger Bradley was convinced to go along, and he shut us down without hearing any of our witnesses or allowing us to present the evidence. Promise Land Ministries Church of The Narrow Way has been denied due process and equal protection under the law. This is a blatant violation of the basic laws of the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights. Promise Land Ministries Church of The Narrow Way did not sneak into Gilmer County. When we arrived here in July of 1999, we went before the county commissioner and we proved that we were a Church and we outlined our plans for the ministry. ?More on the questionable court order? In the courtroom, we heard with our own ears, the judgment of Aug. 8, by the Honorable Judge Roger E. Bradley, Superior Court of Gilmer County, Appalachian Judicial Circuit. We have a certified copy of the court transcript. Clifford Lancey, county attorney, volunteered to write the order. The order Lancey wrote bore little resemblance to what Judge Bradley actually ordered, per the transcript. Our attorney, Michael Parham, then wrote the order as it was transcribed. Judge Bradley, for some reason, took close to 5 weeks to deliver a signed order. This order is far different than the transcribed order that Promise Land Ministries Church of The Narrow Way was ordered to live up to from Aug. 8th to Sept. 10th when the order was finally signed. Why was this? You will be able to view the case history, the court transcript, the proposed orders, the signed order, the exhibited evidence, the evidence and facts that the court did not allow the defense to present, and more at www.ChristiansForAmericans.com. Question to consider The fourth item of the court order required that our Church’s outreach ministry summit to State control. Consider these questions; How many of your Church’s outreach ministries have to submit to State control? How about your men’s ministry? Your women’s ministry? Your youth ministries? How many of your Church’s kitchens are licensed food service establishments? If our ministry has to submit to State control, it gives precedence to make your ministries submit! It is my belief that county officials have misused the regulations for the bureaucracy’s agenda by holding Promise Land to a higher standard than anyone else in the county. By code, the county officials have reclassified our Church as a dormitory. The Department of Human Resources has reclassified our outreach ministry as a rehabilitation program. By subtly gaining control of Promise Land Ministry Church of The Narrow Way, county officials and the State, have systematically shut us down. I am one of many veterans, who put their lives on the line defending our God given rights as U. S. citizens, so that what has happened to Promise Land Ministries Church of The Narrow Way – here, in Gilmer County - would not happen anywhere in America. I’m joining Christians For Americans. I am registering to vote and I will be voting every election. I will be an active citizen involved in community affairs. But more than all that, I am joining in prayer with my brothers and sisters, to hold our county, our state, our country and all of our leaders up before our Lord. To God Be All The Glory!!!!
******************************************************************************** THE CABIN Having to Move Without a Destination To say this decision was unfair is an understatement. We were forced to inform the men at Promise Land that the court had ordered the men's ministries closed and all the men off the property by Monday noon Aug. 11. In addition, church services were to only those permitted by the Judge's order. (Sunday A. M. & P. M. and Wednesday P. M.) The concerns and the questions that the men raised were overwhelming. Why, after all we've done to become compliant? How can this happen in the USA? What will we do? Where are we going? No one could answer the questions, but we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. He never puts more on us than we can bear. So, we prayed and we trusted God. Where Do We Go? Needless to say these men were out on their own much to soon. Many have been arrested here in Gilmer County for D.U.I. and possession. The remaining, about 22 men, stood in faith trusting that God would provide. Sure enough Martin and Kim Roberson called and said that if we could not find facilities by Monday, we could camp out by their small pond. Steps of Faith. Meanwhile, back at the Church waiting for word on the federal intervention, the men and community members of the Church were packing and loading the bus. On Monday at 11:45 a. m. , without any word on the intervention and only one offer for a place to retreat, the bus pulled off the property and went to Martin and Kim's pond to camp out, without camping gear. The Miracle. Even more impressive is just how good God takes care of his children -- above and beyond our greatest imagination. The log cabin with its setting and its view were beyond our dreams. Praise God! Praise God! Praise God!! Promise Land held all 13 services, that were not allowed at the Church by order of Judge Roger Bradley, on the front wrap-around porch. It was beautiful. ****************************************************************** Camping, Final Day in the Cabin Back To Martin and Kim's Pond All of us were looking for a place to house the men's ministry. Pastors of other churches would not get involved for fear that the county officials might do the same to their church that the officials did to Promise Land. Landlords of farmhouses, barns, warehouses, etc., shunned the name of Promise Land (and or the men) for the same reason. Needless to say, camping become the only option. At Grindley's Camp Site Thanks to the Grindleys and to the residents of Gilmer County. May God open the window of heaven and pour out a blessing on all of you that you can not contain! Again thank you each and every one of you, Thank you!!! ******************************************************************************** Still Camping @ 19 deg. F,
Gilmer County, GA -- As of December, Promise Land Ministries Church of The Narrow Way Men's Ministry has now been banned from the use of their property without due process under the law. The appeal to the Federal Court for intervention failed because it is a pending state action, without a court date. The State Appeals Court agreed to hear Promise Land's appeal. While waiting for the State Appeals Court's decision, Promise Land has continued to further appeal to the Department of Natural Rescores, to the Department of Human Rescores and to the Environmental Health Department. The one common thread that still remains: "No one of the government, not even one, not even Judge Roger Bradley who ordered the Promise Land men out of their Church and off their Church property has heard Promise Land's case, witnesses, nor evidence. The men at Promise Land are paying the price in order to have their God given rights to be able to worship and seek God in the church building provided by God that meets all the county codes -- without government intrusion as stated in both the State and Federal Constitutions.
Even with the current living conditions -- cold, wet, a makeshift kitchen, port a johns, etc. -- the men are truly blessed. While huddling around the campfire at night and sharing with fellow brothers and members of the Church, they have been able to share the special relationship that only brothers and sisters in Christ can -- the sharing of the inexpressible glorious joy that comes as God reveals the secrets of His Kingdom and the love for another that becomes a reality. The men are fellowshipping in the Word and in hymn, and they are sharing in the day's first fruits morning Bible study. The men are experiencing the revelations of the Holy Spirit and witnessing others being put before one's self. Doctors and mechanics, ditch diggers and attorneys, engineers and administrators, black and white, all find common ground in Christ.
Those who are humbled before the Mighty Hand of God will be
lifted up in due time. We are looking forward to the day that we can go home. Yes, our Home is in Heaven, but while we wait for the Lord to come it's hard to understand why we have to wait in the woods, in the elements. The Home That We, the men's ministries, Are Being Denied ??
Consider that we have a perfectly good home Church to worship in. And consider the fact that the local officials have railroaded us, and they have gotten a court order to close the men's ministry, and they have ordered them off the property of their home church, Promise Land Ministries Church of The Narrow Way. If this can happen to our church it can happen to any church. We are not fighting for our rights alone, but for the rights of every church in the community and throughout America. The rights of the Church, the believers, the people of the light, Christians rights, are being chip away by the evil in the United States of America. It does not seem possible, but it is. Our Church rights have been invaded by government intrusion. Our Church has been ordered to shut down a men's ministry that over the past 14 years has witnessed more than 2,000 men's lives saved. Our Church members have been ordered to limited use of ministry property. Our Church has been ordered to stop serving food to the hungry, and more. DON'T WAIT UNTIL YOUR CHURCH IS IN THEIR SIGHTS. HELP FIGHT THE BATTLE NOW BEFORE WE LOOSE MORE RIGHTS AND MORE CHURCH MINISTRIES. DON'T WAIT UNTIL YOUR CHURCH IS THE ONLY CHURCH LEFT AND YOU HAVE TO BATTLE BY YOURSELF. YOU WILL FIGHT THIS BATTLE NOW OR LATER !! "What can I do to help," you ask? Don't let us loose by default! Precedence will be established in our winning or loosing. Consider: This is a edited video copy of a live TV broadcast of the
Gravedigger Show that went out Nation wide. Christian Persecution with the Gravedigger (Video)
***************************************************************** Just In Time For Christmas Camping at eighteen degree temperatures, six days before Christmas, no place to go, no place to rent or lease. All the Landlords are afraid of the county officials retaliation. But wait there's one, Mr. Charlie Clup is willing to rent to Promise Land so that the men can get out of the elements. Just in time for Christmas the men moved and enjoyed a warm comfortable Christmas. Praise God, He is on time again!! For more than a year now PLM has been transporting the men back and forth from the living quarters to the church for Bible Studies, Classes, and Church Services some twelve to twenty trips per day. In addition to the work runs, doctor runs, shopping runs, etc.... The added cost of operation range between two and three thousands per month. The increased management and supervision difficulty is immeasurable. Please, continue to pray that the Lord God Almighty receive all the Glory. ************************************************************* By My Spirit Says The Lord With all the difficulties the Church and all the Outreach Ministries continues to grow. With the main focus on Discipleship. Some of the areas that have experienced growth worthy of testimony is that of the Children and Youth Ministries, Men's Ministry, Women's Ministry, Elderly Ministry, Food Ministry, and Prison Ministry. All have seen meaningful relationship started and improved with our Lord Jesus Christ souls saved, lives changed, families reunited. Miracles, call them as you see them, we have watch broken necks healed, broken legs and arms, broken backs. We have witnessed cancer and TB healed. We have witnessed food to feed where there was no food. Heat and hot water and 100s of miles driven from empty fuel tanks. The good news preached, hearts transformed and the renewing of the mines. The fruits of the Holy Spirit evident and the gifts of the Spirit active.
Camping AgainThe
continuing story, written about Promise Land, left off with the men moving out
of the cold (18 degree) into a double wide mobile home provided by Mr. Charlie
Clup on December 18, 2003, six days before Christmas. Since
that time, Promise Land was raided again in the summer of 2004. The raid was
ordered by Judge Bradley as recommended by County Attorney Cliff Lansey, who has
since been replaced. Because of food stored in the Promise Land freezers Sandra
and Al Plume were charged with contempt of court. The food stored there was and
is used to feed the needy in the local community. Promise
Land has jumped through 199 hoops as required by the county with one left to go.
The last three and the one left to go has and is done under protest. The kitchen
was remodeled even though it was previously licensed and past all interim
inspection by the health department. The well was re-drilled, re-cased and all
the instruments and equipment installed to qualify it for a public water system.
Promise Land submitted the church’s men’s ministry to the DHR to determine
if a license would be required to operate the men’ ministry. And now the last
one to go is the septic system, which was designed, permitted and approved by
the county health inspector. Promise Land is in the process of raising
$10,000.00 to put in the new septic system required by the county, which is
supposedly the last hoop to jump through before the Promise Land men can live on
their own property. But
mean while, starting back in November of 2005 one of the Promise Land staff
members found a house big enough to house the Promise Land men comfortably. A
means for paying for the new location was work out through Faith, Hope and
Charity Recycle Store here in Ellijay. The lease was negotiated and sign with
the landlord. On December 1st, 2005, the move in date, everything was
moved in. That very day, before Promise Land spent one night there, the county
officials showed up and condemned the landlord’s house and threatened the
landlord with a $1000.00 / day fine for every day Promise Land was allowed to
stay. To this very day the house stands condemned, no one can live in it, just
because the landlord was willing to rent to Promise Land. Promise
Land called the previous landlord and asked if we could cancel the 30 day
notice. Mr. Clup agreed and Promise Land moved back to the doublewide mobile
home that very night. About a week later the county officials showed up at the
doublewide, condemned it, turn off the power and threatened the landlord, Mr.
Clup, with a $1000.00 / day fine for every day Promise Land stayed there. Renting
became very difficult for Promise Land since all perspective landlords would be
informed of what occurred with the last two landlords that had rented to Promise
Land. Members
of the Promise Land congregation, Ed and Sally Jeffery, stepped up and extended
an invitation for the men to move into their home. By keeping it a secret, the
men were able to stay at the Jeffery’s through Christmas and New Years. What a
joy for all the men and the Jeffery’s. But approaching mid-January you’ll
never guess who showed up at 10:00 at night, yep the county officials. The
officials told Ed and Sally that the men had to leave immediately or they would
be fined $1000.00 per day that they stayed including that night, a very cold and
windy night. Promise
Land called Michael Parham, an attorney and a friend of the ministry. Mr. Parham
said he would call his pastor, Steve Fields, Pastor of East Ellijay Baptist
Church, and see if there was something they could do. Promise Land also called
Commissioner Ken Bailey, who was the only county official that ever said he
wanted to help the ministry. Ken Bailey said he knew it was coming down and
there was nothing he could do. Pastor
Steve Fields called and said that he had been teaching on Matthew 25:31-46 and
that this fit right in. He said that he and his church did not have any
facilities for housing the men but they were willing to put the men up for the
night at the Ellijay Motel. Pastor Steve Fields met Pastors Al and Sandra Plume,
Ed Jeffery and the Promise Land men at the motel paid for five rooms, prayed
with us, and told us if we needed another night that he and his church were
willing to pay for it and they did. Praise God! Promise
Land kept the men in the motel though January, February and most of March, until
the weather broke and it started to warm up. Thank God again! Another
friend of the ministry, who hates injustice, stepped up and donated the use of
200 acres for the Promise Land men to camp on. With the aid of the community,
Promise Land has tents, sleeping bags, cooking facilities and port-a-johns.
Thank you Lord, thank you community and thank all of you who help with your
support! Promise
Land will be camping all summer while raising funds to pay off the back log of
bills incurred during the motel stay. Also raising the funds to install the
septic system required to get the men back on the Promise Land property where
they belong. Great and Glorious Days at Promise Land When the winter gave way to spring, in late March, 2006, the Promise Land Men move from the motel to a 200 acre campground and camped through the beautiful spring, summer heat, heavy rains, thunder storms, hail and wind with floated tents and wet beds. No electricity, battery powered lights, no refrigeration, and cooking over an open fire. Getting up at 4:30 A. M., cooking breakfast, eating, getting in the vans, traveling to the church for First Fruits Bible Study. After first fruits all would go to work, working all day without pay serving the brotherhood and the community of Ellijay. The daily chores range from house keeping, cooking and cleaning, laundry room, grounds keeping, logging and working the saw mill, mechanic shop, maintenance, recycle store that help the community’s needy, out reach ministries, food pantry feeding and ministering to the hungry, helping the seniors in the community that can’t help themselves, and so much more. At the end of the day they have dinner together and then coming together for evening Bible study or church, then loading on the vans and traveling back to the woods where the day is closed out with fellowship around the camp fire. Day after day the men grow in Spirit and in Love one for another, the senior men discipline the junior. Praying for one another and encouraging each other as they discovered the inexpressible, glorious joy of the Lord. One day in late November the county officials show up at the camp site taking pictures and making notes. Having to move ten times before we recognized the signs of the times and knew a move was close at hand. Sure enough the landlord received a notice that his land was zone agricultural and camping was not allowed. The notice also stated the camping had to cease within ten days. With no place to move, we continued to trust God that He had a plan and for sure He did. As the ten days come to an end a local Baptist Pastor , James Holt, stepped up and set it up with the Baptist Association to use the Mountain Town Camp Ground as an interim place to stay legally. Mountain Town Camp Ground had all the amenities of home with electricity that provide heat and lights in the tents, bathrooms, and showers with hot water, a working kitchen and a flowing river. But it was not long before the county officials showed up with their cameras and note pads. The eviction notice followed shortly there after. In the mean time, while all the evictions and moving was going on, the Spirit turned the public opinion to Promise Land’s favor. God also assemble a group of God fearing men consisting of two Baptist Pastors, James Holt and Steve Fields, an attorney, Rev. Michael Parham, and a County Commissioner, Ken Bailey, to make a realistic evaluation, a plan and to offer a helping hand to bring Promise Land in to complete compliance with all codes and ordinances, primarily the five requirements of the court order. 1) Establish a limit to the number of men residents in the men’s ministry 2) Permit the well as a Non- Community Public Water System. 3) Food Service Permit for church kitchen. 4) Permit the septic systems for the number of people being served. 5) Submit to the Department of Human Resources (DHR), for (DHR) to determine if this church (Promise Land) should be licensed by the State. The forth item, septic system, of the above requirements was installed and approved for 35 occupants in the church and 8 in the staff quarters on November 27, 2007. Yes, our Lord overcome every obstacle providing the means and way to install a very large church septic system. Efforts to bring the public water to Promise Land were exhausted. One of the three neighbors denied the easement needed for the affordable routing of public water. To meet the requirements for routing along the county road was simply unaffordable. Gilmer County Fire Services, Fire Chief, Travis Worthington and Fire Prevention Captain, Tommy Long conducted a courtesy fire inspection of the existing structures. They inspected the church, laundry room, kitchen and staff quarters all the deficiencies have been addressed and all but one have been corrected. The one remaining deficiency is a fire alarm system which is in the planning stage, as soon as the plan is ready it will be submitted to the Fire Chief for approval. When the approval is received the system will be installed. The installation of the approved fire alarm system would qualify the church for an occupancy classification to allow sleeping accommodation up to 35 persons and a Gilmer County emergency shelter. The targeted timing on the approval and installation of the fire alarm system is ten days or by February 16, 2007. When all is complete a re-inspection will be requested. On Saturday 1-27-07 after a community meeting to rally church pastors together against drugs our attorney, Rob Ray, call and told us to bring the Promise Land Men home out of the cold and in to the warmth of the church sanctuary. And oooh the over whelming joy and tears of joy and praise to God by God’s people all over Georgia, north to Chicago and west to California were glorious and inexpressible. The return to the church property had two known stipulations. One, they can not drink the water until the well is approved by the DNR as a non community public water system. Two, they can not use the kitchen to prepare food until a food service permit is in place. The food service permit will not be issued by the Gilmer Health Department until an approved DNR well is drilled and the water system installed and permitted. Since that great and glorious home coming day many have provided bottle water for drinking and many have provided dinner for the men to eat. Lunch does not seem to be a problem, however, breakfast is a little on the skimpy side. But the men are doing fine and are glad to be home out of the cold with a roof over their heads. Kathy Wilcox and two other ladies, from the DHR (Department of Human Resources), came to investigate a complaint against Promise Land Thursday, February 2, 2007. As I conclude from the final conversation, Ms. Wilcox will be writing an investigation report stating no violation found, Promise Land is not operating an unlicensed Drug Abuse Treatment and Education Program, but instead a Men’s Regeneration Ministry. We are presently waiting for a copy of Ms. Wilcox’s report. Drilling of the DNR well was completed today, Friday afternoon, 2-3-07, and the steel casing set deep into bedrock. The well is 245 feet deep with a production of 70+ gallons of water per minute. The driller, Richard of Southern Drilling, said he has never drilled a well with such a high yield. Praise God! The electrical, plumbing stub-up and pad is to be completed Monday, 2-12-07. The well head will be completed shortly there after and the next step toward permitting will take place. The nest step is flow testing the well and testing of the water. The water system plan and specifications will to be ready the first part of the following week. Ray King, District Director Environmental Health, came to visit Promise Land today, Friday 2-2-07. Mr. King brought a box of helps – thermometer, test strips, training videos, posters, food service regulations, handouts, etc.. Mr. King also conducted a general ungraded inspection resulting in sixteen items that need to be accomplished to meet food service regulations. The sixteen items are presently being worked so as to have the kitchen ready for inspection when the well permit is issued. Updates on the above will follow as they happen. TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY!
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