And the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statues with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people joined in the covenant. (2 Kings 23:3, ESV)
King Josiah had brought all the people to the house of God to read to them the long lost covenant he had rediscovered. While he was just a child, he was still their king, and that king’s passion and vision brought Judah back into relationship with God. His heart was convicted by the Word and heart of God. King Josiah committed himself and his people back to the LORD, and because of this commitment, the temple was rebuilt and the true identity of God’s chosen people was restored.
Where there is a leader with conviction seeking after the heart of God, there must be a building for His people to come together. This temple or meeting place serves so many vital purposes for the body of Christ. It is much more than a place where a congregation comes together to fellowship, join in worship, and hear the preached word of the Lord. It creates a place of unity and faith for His children. When like-minded people come together with the same vision and passion, things change for the better.
In accordance with this Biblical mission, the Church Loan Fund’s primary purpose has been, and always will be, to do our part in the Kingdom to help churches further their God-given vision. Each of our decisions and prayers are aimed towards the advancement of the Kingdom. It is our desire to help the church grow into what the Lord has given and has empowered us to have - revival.
On an annual basis, the Church Loan Fund surveys each borrower-church for administrative and missional purposes. In the most recent survey, we received 98 responses from churches of all different locations, backgrounds, and sizes. Among these vast differences, we see that God has poured out his favor and blessings over everyone! Overall, churches reported 12,200 in attendance, 1,207 water baptisms, and 923 Holy Ghost infillings! Glory to God! This is an amazing and uplifting testimony to see.
Among the numerical reports, pastors also submitted individual testimonies. The following testimonies highlight some of the incredible things God is doing across our fellowship:
The Pentecostals of Greater Johnstown Area, Hollsopple, PA: “Receiving a building brought identity to the church in Homer City. The average attendance has doubled as a result. We have had two baptized there with more likely to come.”
Lighthouse UPC, O’Fallon, MO: “Since moving into our new building in March 2021, we have increased our average attendance over 50 people.”
Iglesia Pentecostal Unida de Aurora, Aurora, IL: “A wonderful lady was healed of cancer! After praying for six months and battling covid, the Lord came through and we got the great news that she was completely healed of uterine cancer! Praise God.”
Church of Pentecost, San Angelo, TX: “We have experienced tremendous growth and pruning at the same time. We had a young man to receive the Holy Ghost last year that has already begun preaching. God is growing him quickly. We have seen incredible deliverances as well as healings and miracles in the hospital with our outreach there. The lame were healed: a young man in a coma and in Palliative Care came out of the coma during prayer and was healed. He left the hospital two days later. Jesus has been very good to us.”
Soldotna Pentecostals, Kenai, AK: “We had an amazing 2021. We increased in attendance by 15 people and had many receive the Holy Ghost and baptized last year. Most of the growth was due to our new location and the visibility of our building. God is doing great things. We also are taking over a church on Kodiak Island.”
2 Kings 23:25: Before him there was no king like him, who turned to the LORD with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses, no did any like him arise after him. (ESV)
King Josiah is known for his love and passion for the things of God. Scripture says that there was no king like him in this way. He brough Judah back into the house of God, he removed idols, and renewed the Passover. He corrected their steps back to the Yahweh’s path. When we passionately pursue the Kingdom of God, he pours out his favor. God is moving across the nation and the world! So many reports have been submitted showing countless lives changed by the love of Christ. He is Jehovah-Jireh, and we see that he has provided for so many needs. The Church Loan Fund is so grateful to be a part of what God is doing and to see first-hand the revival he is pouring out.