Explore the History of Our Apostolic Church

Learn more about the history of House of Prayer Apostolic Faith Church of God, Inc. in Fort Myers, Florida. Our church was first established in this region in 1983 in Lehigh Acres, Florida, after Pastor Ella M. Davis purchased a second home in Florida for health reasons on the advice of her doctor.

Foreseeing

The Lord gave Pastor Davis a vision of palm trees in 1978. Later that year she visited Ft Myers, Florida, saw the palm tree, and said, "This is the vision!" House of Prayer Apostolic Church #4 was originated with service being held in the kitchen of Mother Hattie Marie Bush of Fort Myers, Florida, in August of that year. Mother Bush testified how long she had asked God to send her some help. Pastor Davis' first mentor, Mother Della Bradley was gone to be with the Lord but God sent Pastor Davis another mentor, Mother Hattie Bush. Pastor Davis had a mild case of asthma which caused a shortness of breath periodically. She realized that the now adult spiritual warriors could be engaged to come and help dig out and build spiritual work in Florida. The appointed and anointed saints said goodbye to their families and friends and headed to Florida, the Sunshine State. Now, after years, House of Prayer #4 is thriving and is in the process of building a new edifice. Though she was called on to glory by the Lord on July 19, 2008, the words of Pastor Davis still encourage her flock: "God really does answer prayer and he will keep every promise made to His children."

Witnessing

As Pastor Davis began to witness to various people, the followers grew quickly. One of the members opened their home for church meetings, and, when the residence was no longer large enough to accommodate the members, Pastor Davis began to seek another place of worship. The new location was in the midst of the Michigan Links Housing Project in Fort Myers, Florida. Shortly after moving into the new location, incorporation status was filed. It was granted on October 31, 1984.

Expanding

Pastor Davis was also the pastor and founder of House of Prayer Church of God I in , Illinois, about 45 minutes outside of Chicago. It had been established some 26 years prior to this time. With the help of family and ministers of the home church, the governing body of our new church, the fourth in the House of Prayer family, was set in place. The church continued to thrive and grow.

Moving

In late 1989, new management took over the housing project and they would not renew the lease. Due to the lack of notice given, we were forced to relocate. During this span of time, the roughly 60 members had to worship in a different location each week. Determined to keep the mission alive, the church even conducted morning service at a park.

Sharing

In about six months, the church entered an agreement with Pastor Burnside Miller of the Unitarian Church in Fort Myers. He agreed to allow the church to worship in their building after their Sunday service for three hours a week. We also were allowed to conduct a weeknight Bible class. This was not the most ideal situation, but we thanked God and began a building fund drive. We operated in this manner until about 1992, when the Unitarian Church was bought by a local hospital, Lee Memorial Hospital, which planned to convert the church into a daycare facility for employees. As a result, we had to relocate once again.

Searching

By this point, the building fund drive had been successful and we were searching for a building that suited our needs and budget. We rented a little building in the inner city area of Fort Myers, in a subdivision called Harlem Lakes, located about 1.5 miles from our first location in Michigan Links Housing Projects. Soon, we acquired a church directly across the street from the building we were renting, an old church at 2112 Mitchell Court, which had been stricken by fire.

Remodeling

With the help of God and the brothers of the church, the building was remodeled and ready for worship by 1993. This is our current place of worship. We have fully paid for it and have acquired several lots adjoining to our property. We invite you to become a part of the church today and a piece of its history tomorrow.

We're Building

After years, House of Prayer is thriving and is in the process of building a new edifice. Though she was called on to glory by the Lord on July 19, 2008, the words of Pastor Davis still encourage her flock: "God really does answer prayer and he will keep every promise made to His children.”

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