"Higher Power Outreach Church "Nondenomination" Church”

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: For truly the harvest is plenteous, but the laborers are few. The Holy Spirit Continued to impress these words upon the heart and spirit of Rev. Johnnie Clifton Robinson, Jr. Thus Higher Power Outreach grew out of a vision from God. As early as summer of 1994, Rev. Robinson realized that God was requiring him to begin this mission. Finally, Rev Robinson discussed this vision with his wife Sharon, who was very supportive.

In March 1995 Rev. Robinson took steps to begin an outreach ministry in Phenix City, Alabama, Columbus, Georgia area. Being led by the Spirit of God, he felt the need for a discipleship ministry with every potential member being trained and equipped to win souls for Christ. Thus, this vision was shared with Rev. Alfonza Smith, Deacons Sammy Thornton, Mack Moore and their wives Yvonne Smith, Peggy Thornton, and Mandy Moore. The Lord allowed Deacon Thornton and his family, Sister Bridgett Stark and family, Carolyn Hodge and her daughter, Tisha Brown to attend the first service along with Pastor Robinson’s wife Sharon, son Marco and nephew Latrell Peterson. These persons also became the co- founders and co-organizers of the Higher Power Outreach Church.

After much prayer and communion with God, the group had their first church service at the Robinson’s home in Columbus, Georgia. A closer walk with Jesus, a spiritual renewal, and outreach to the lost, bruised, battered, broken, forgotten, depressed, distressed, homeless and all needy souls was imperative. Pastor Robinson was sure to leave no one out. He had a desire to minister to the no, low and fixed income families to show them a better way through the Word of God. A Church filled with the Holy Spirit and led by God was the burning desire of this group. Realizing that the Church must completely rely on the Holy Spirit to accomplish this great task, the name Higher Power Outreach was given.

This was unanimously accepted by everyone with the understanding that this would be an Independent Non-denominational Church. Rev Johnnie C. Robinson, Jr. was selected as Pastor, Sammy Thornton as the first Deacon, Sister Bridgett Stark was appointed as Cooperate Secretary and the Ebenezer Baptist Church, 711 24TH Ave, Phenix City, Alabama would be the place of worship. Discipleship training, a door to door ministry, and a radio ministry were discussed and implemented within the first year of ministry.

On May 7, 1995 Higher Power Outreach Church officially began its’ worship service. Approximately 15 people joined at the first service. From this membership a choir was organized led by Peggy Thornton, Sammy Thornton was appointed as Sunday School Superintendent, brother Warren Bulah and Treando Thornton acted as ushers. Discipleship training and Bible study began later in 1996. God has truly blessed Higher Power Outreach Church. As the years progressed the Lord added great men and women to our Church and staff, such as Rev. Albert Otis Gosha, and his wife Diane who later became pillars in the Church.

On May 7, 1997 Higher Power Outreach Church officially took possession of the property at 1200 12th Court, which was owed by the Calvary Temple Assembly of God Church. This property would later be the corner stone of success for many members of Each One Reach One homeless shelter through job training, spiritual motivation and Christian education. This process was enhanced by a minister named Rev. Robert P. Youngblood.

Through long hard nights and days the Rev. Mary Jo Dennis, the youngest sister to Pastor Johnnie Robinson was instrumental in getting plans for a child care center in the church. She went on to become its first director. While maintaining a child care center, she was also instrumental in starting a children’s church too. Rev. Dennis proved that there are no tasks to large, no task to small. She trusted God and did them all. The senior usher board was formed and Sister Barbara Clark was appointed as the leader of ushers. The year 1997 was a very good year for Higher Power Outreach Church. Many of the dreams of Pastor Robinson was coming to focus and the reality of what God wanted for this area was at hand. It is our prayer that God will continue to bless our efforts.

In 1998 the Higher Power Outreach Church went to a new level when Pastor Anthony J. King and wife Toniya came to us from Detroit, Michigan. The Kings were very instrumental in getting much of our community programming started. Sister King worked hard with Sister Robinson to put together the first women's seminar. The greatest thing that happen in 1998 was when a few people got up before 5:00 AM. and met at the church at 5:30 AM. for a period of eight months God moved in a mighty way. Heaven opened, the plans came together, and members started coming. The child care center filled up, and a way was made for a new van for the church.

In 1999 we saw our impact in the community. The city government called on us to help. Other groups asked for assistance. God gave us the means and the congregation gave the service to who so ever called. It was in this year that Power Up Daycare started its twenty-four hour daycare and nightcare service. This effort has caused many welfare mothers to become independent working women.

During 2000 -2001 we have had leaders added to our staff such as Elder David Lawson with duties as Pastor, Minister Vickie Lawson with duties as Youth Pastor and Worship Leader, Minister Clayton Evan with duties as Food Services Manager, Deacon John Crockett with duties such as President of Brotherhood. We have made giant steps toward the goals of the church. We want to be the twenty-four hour, seven day a week church, and leave every man in our area with ZERO EXCUSES.

During 2001-2002 Higher Power Outreach Church implemented a plan and started a new ministry called the House of Restoration. This ministry is located at 908 7th Ave, Phenix City, Alabama and was purchased on July 26, 2001 at the cost of $350,000.00. House of Restoration opened its doors to the public on October 3, 2001. The first Director is the Senior Pastor of Higher Power Outreach Church.

In 2003 Higher Power Outreach Church welcomed Pastor Mary Jo (Dennis) Davis and her husband Deacon Robert Davis to its leadership. Also Rev. Valencia McNatt of Marlton, New Jersey became the Youth Pastor. She and Pastor Davis attended Rhema Bible Training Center in Tulsa Oklahoma.