The Vision through the Eyes of Bishop Smith. It was the Sabbath Day in 1993. As Bishop Smith sat in service at 11th and Catherine Streets (The Holy Church of The Living God). The Lord spoke to him and said "Lawrence it is your time to pastor." Bishop was unsure, but he knew he had to obey the voice of the Lord. So he gathered up his family and began having service in his home in West Oak Lane. Still uncertain about what the Lord said, he asked the Lord to send him some members. And God did just that, he sent the Moore family. Okay, Bishop thought, Lord send me more members. Again God proved himself and sent the Roberts family. By this time the living room had reached its maximum capacity. Bishop knew he needed to move out of his home. He began searching for a new place to worship. Finally, God led Bishop and Lady Smith to South Philadelphia, stopping at 1715 Snyder Avenue. Refuge Deliverance House of Prayer found a church home.

In just a short period of time, God gave Bishop Smith the vision. In not too many days hence our place of worship would be expanding. Although quite confused and bewildered, the saints said, "Amen." Eight years had passed, but Bishop never doubted God. During that time God said, "He would add souls to the church." And he did just that, he added many families: The Allens; Burtons; Croslands; Grays; Johnsons; Macks; Morgans; Pridgeons; Rasheeds; Richardsons; Robinsons; Rollins; Roysters; Thompsons; Taylors; Washingtons; Williams; Wilmers; Fortunes and the Kents . God sent us an abundant harvest. -- That brought about a name change, to Abundant Harvest House of Prayer.

In the ninth year the vision finally began to manifest itself to the saints. The congregation outgrew the church and Friday night and Sabbath Day services were standing room only. Bishop Smith realized the necessity for a larger church. Through much fasting and fasting, praying, shutting-in and seeking the Lord Bishop & Lady sought a new church home. Bishop was determined to remain in South Philly. He believed the Lord placed him there, along the same streets he grew up on. After looking at several locations they found an old church on McKean Street, in South Philly just as Bishop desired. With the help of St. Mindy Washington, our church Real Estate Specialist and Bro. Robert Morgan, our Building Contractor, the vision became a reality. You now sit in the vision.

630 Mckean Street has been Abundant Harvest home for just about 2 years. In this time more souls were added to the church such as: Sis Loretta Brown; Sis, Yvette; the McIntosh family; The Duncan family; Deacon Neil Cunningham and Sis. Jasmine Singleton. God has also sent the Booker Family to help us in the ministry.

Many have come and gone, however God kept us encouraged through fasting, praying and prophecy. Today we praise & worship God in Bishop's vision. From an abundant praise, came an abundant harvest. Therefore, we have abundant life through Jesus Christ. John 10:10