The founders Bishop James and Pastor Dianne Cooper received an extraordinary vision from GOD for the Free Temple Outreach Ministry.
In October, 1994, GOD blessed, and ordained the start of this "Vision" with a Radio Broadcast, entitled "On the Move For God" which aired for six (6) years, each Saturday morning at 10:30AM - 10:45AM on WGCV 1240 AM.
On January 15, 1995, (2nd Sunday) the doors to the Free Temple Outreach Ministry opened, at 2557 South Crater Road, Petersburg, Virginia; with Sunday School beginning at 10:00AM, and Morning Worship started at 11:00AM. God sent a great anointing during that service, to set his approval on this ministry. Additionally, the first member was received, Sis. Alfreda Hagans, who is still an active member today.
For the past thirteen years, GOD has continued to move mightily in this ministry. He has given us several auxiliary and outreach missions, consisting of the Children's Sunday School, Music Ministry, Tape Ministry, Youth Ministry, Choir/Praise Team, Junior and Senior Ushers, Nursing Home Ministry, Prison Ministry and Drama Ministry.
On Sunday, July 19, 1998, GOD elevated us to another phase of the "Vision", which required relocating to a building equipped with a 500 seat sanctuary, classrooms and offices. The church was located at 210 South Market Street, Petersburg, Virginia. Pastor Cooper preached the message "I said it, and I won't take it back", which resulted "again", in a soul being saved during the first service. In August of 1999, God instructed the founders that he had a better plan for bringing the vision to pass however, it would necessary to return to our old stomping ground at 2557 South Crater Road.
In April of 2003, God gave the founders instructions to expand the ministry to the Newport News area of Virginia. God had already blessed us with members (Sister Shirley Bryant and Daughter Cindy) who had been traveling from the Hampton area to the Petersburg location prior to the birth of the ministry in Newport News. The burden for the souls and the vision of the "work" weighed heavy upon the hearts of Pastor & Bishop Cooper.
The Lord revealed that Greater Works would be performed in Newport News. Bishop and Pastor Cooper began to fervently pursue the vision that God was birthing forth in them. With much prayer and the favor of God working in their lives, they began searching for a building. It was approximately 30 days after God spoke, that he blessed us with our building, the furniture, office supplies, carpet and other necessary equipment "nothing but the favor of God.
The First Sunday, in June 2003, the doors of the Free Temple Outreach Deliverance Center opened at 1633 Warwick Blvd, Newport News, VA. We thank God for the souls he added to the church that day.
In December of 2004 the Sanctuary of the Deliverance Center experience severe flooding and as a result of major damage, we were force to close the building. Immediately after such tragedy, Services began at the Ramada Inn for approximately six months. Although the ministry in Newport News is temporarily on hold right now, the vision is very much alive in the lions of our Pastor. WE BELIEVE GOD! IT IS SO!
God is yet adding to the ministry, souls are being saved, delivered and we thank God.
In February of 2006 the ministry suffered a great loss with the passing of our dearly departed Apostle/Overseer Timothy L. Baylor, Tabernacle Pillow of Fire Ministries, Windsor NC. God has allowed a few of the saints from Windsor to connect with the saints in Petersburg to join together as one body under the leadership of Bishop and Pastor Cooper. In July of 2006, after seeking the face of God and much prayer and fasting, God Divinely placed us under the leadership of our present Apostle/Overseer, Lobias Murray and Dr. Shirley Murray, Full Gospel Holy Temple, Inc., located in Dallas Texas.
Since becoming a part of Full Gospel Holy Temple, Inc. the ministry has elevated by leaps and bounds. In March of 2007 God blessed us with the purchase of land and a beautiful church, fully equipped and furnished, located at 3635 Halifax Road, on the countryside of Petersburg, Virginia. In November of 2007, God changed the name of the ministry to Free Temple Full Gospel Ministries, Inc. and expanded the ministry to Oak City, North Carolina. God is doing a mighty work on every side. We give Him all of the Glory.
Our goal is to expand our Outreach Ministry in areas that will bring this great vision into focus. Even though we are a young ministry, and have only been in existence for such a short period of time, GOD has shown himself mightily on our behalf. He has taken a remnant and instructed us to go and possess the land. Many people still doubt the power of GOD, but when we see what he has done for this ministry, all we can say is
"GOD DID IT!"
The foundation of this ministry has always been Prayer, the Word of GOD, and Love for the brethren. As of today, it still remains, Prayer, the Word and Love.
"Eye hath not seen, neither ear heard, neither have it entered into the heart of man,
the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him". I Cor. 2:9