Church history of Maranatha Assembly Of God, LaSalle Parish, La.

Submitted by Pastor Eddie Thompson
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The History Of Maranatha

     Maranatha Fellowship was born in the living room of Patrick and Evelyn
Thompson in 1976 as a vision to reach souls for the kingdom of God. The
impromptu meetings grew rapidly as the Spirit added daily to the new
gatherings, and necessity dictated organization. Reverend Thompson began
holding regular services in his living room on Sundays until it became
apparent that this small room could no longer accommodate the growing
congregation.

     Tommy Thompson, Sr. donated a small tin building that stood on Highway
84, at the present site of Maw & Paw's, and the new fellowship was
established. In 1978 the tin building was moved to the present location on the
Old Harrisonburg Road, secluded behind a strand of tall pine trees.

     The Pastorate changed hands in 1980 when Rev. Charlie Anderson was
elected pastor. Rev. Anderson and his wife, Cathy, ministered to the people of
this community as the fellowship continued to grow. Eventually, the little tin
building was not enough for the congregation so the men and women of the
church built a beautiful new sanctuary.

     In March of 1987, Rev. Patrick Thompson returned as Senior Pastor of
Maranatha, and Rev. Anderson served as Associate Pastor. The people of
Maranatha Fellowship decided to join the Assemblies of God denomination at
that time, and the new name of the church became Maranatha Assembly of God.

     Eddie Thompson was added to the ministerial staff in 1990, first as Youth
Pastor then as Associate Pastor, Eddie and his wife, Laura, worked as the
Christian education Director as the many programs of Maranatha Assembly of God
were instituted, including Sunday School, MERCY Youth, Missionettes, Royal
Rangers, Children's Church, Music Ministry, Women's Department and Men's
Department. In January of 1998, Brother Eddie Thompson was elected pastor,
replacing Rev. Patrick Thompson who was promoted to Glory in December of 1997.

     Many excellent leaders, deacons, and teachers have contributed to the
tremendous growth that this church in the small community of Jena, Louisiana,
has experienced. Through prayer and the powerful moving of the Holy Ghost,
many lives have been touched by the ministry of Maranatha Assembly of God. In
1992, the continued growth of our church forced Pastor Thompson to spearhead
the construction of the wonderful facilities we enjoy. The spacious new
sanctuary and the new Sunday School rooms are well used today. The old
sanctuary serves as today's fellowship hall.

     The vision which God had inspired in the hearts of Patrick and Evelyn
Thompson continues to this day, and has been shared by the dedicated
congregation throughout the twenty years Maranatha has served this community.
May God continue to add souls daily to the Kingdom through the ministry of
Maranatha Assembly of God.

Amen !