HISTORY

Pastor Herbert Theodore answered the call to pastor-ship in
September 2004 with a vision of Promised Land Missionary
Baptist Church. Following the vision he opened the doors of his
home located in New Orleans, LA, for services.

The very next Sunday the WORD of GOD being preached with the
convincing of the HOLY SPIRIT, everyone in attendance pledged
their membership to the vision of Promised Land.

An unusual phenomenon took place as about 95% of the
membership attended Bible study on a regular basis. Through
formatted chronological teaching the reward was rapid growth,
and members began laboring in various departments of the
ministry and were appointed to assist in the vision.

The ministry began to grow at such a rapid pace that soon there
was standing room only at every service. It was becoming evident
that Promised Land would soon need a larger place to hold its
worship services. Immediately a search began to either purchase or
rent a suitable place large enough to accommodate its needs.

On March 9, 2005 Pastor Theodore received a letter from City
Hall instructing him to cease all church services at his residential
location by March 17, 2005. The letter advised that failure to
comply by that date would result in the Department of Safety and
Permits initiating appropriate legal actions. In compliance
Promised Land held its last service at Pastor Theodore’s home on
March 13, 2005.

The ministry then leased a space at the New Orleans Midtown
Hotel, located 3900 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA. This move
would also be in compliance with bank demands that the ministry
should have a financial track record before qualifying for financial
assistance. The LORD bearing favor upon the ministry rent was
paid twice and we were advised by the management that the
church was such a blessing to them that they would no longer
charge for the space.

Just as we were preparing to celebrate our first year anniversary,
hurricane Katrina struck the City of New Orleans and devastated
the area destroying much of the city which included the place
where Promised Land was holding its services, its property, and its
member’s homes. The members were displaced everywhere and
much of the time out of contact with each other due to
communication failures in the area. Pastor Theodore returned to
the city with his eyes on the vision but there was no place suitable
to hold services. This resulted in the members finding other
ministries to fellowship with.

The storm blew, washed and scattered the majority of the
membership away but the vision was intact with the remnant.

After several months of fellowshipping with other churches, the
city still in ruins we rented a space at the Ameri Host Hotel,
located at 1300 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA, the first service
was held on Resurrection Sunday April 16, 2006.
Many of the members were still displaced and many by this time
had placed their membership in other places and other areas of
the country. Promised Land being a vision and not a person was
determined to strive on by faith believing that while we may pass;
the vision will always live though it may tarry.

On September 15, 2006, Promised Land was informed by the
Ameri Host Hotel that the space we were renting would be
undergoing renovations, and we would no longer be able to rent
the space after the last Sunday in September. This resulted in
another search for a building suitable to conduct our services.

On December 24, 2006 Promised Land held its fist service at its
newest location 3351 Kabel Drive, Suite “J”, New Orleans, LA.
Again the LORD showered down favor with a no deposit and a
discounted rate to start. The LORD then allowed us to purchase
new musical and sound equipment and blessed us with donated
seating. Thank GOD, we are a young church with lots of history,
because we believe in HIS story.

The LORD said “Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables,
that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an
appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie, though it
tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”
(Habakkuk 2:2-3)

Promised Land’s vision lives, it has withstood the storm, it is a
church that stamps out traditional methods with no hurt, a
ministry given to the ages, focusing on making everyone count
and not being counted. It is a WORD and love based ministry
focused on the LORD and not man. It is also an altruistic ministry
whereby every appointed laborer declines a salary until such a
time that the ministry is financially able to stand on its own. We
are a ministry given to the operation of Spiritual Gifts and
encouraging each other in the fruit of the SPIRIT.

Although we are not many in numbers, we focus on making the
numbers we have count. We believe that if we remain patient and
faithful with what we have the LORD will provide us with the
increase.

From services at the Pastor's home to several lease agreements the
LORD continues to bless. On November 14, 2008 the LORD
blessed the Promised Land Family to purchase 3029 South
Saratoga Street, a sanctuary that we may call home.

This was no small feat in that though our membership remains
small, scattered and displaced; with limited funds faith has moved
the mountain. Our prayers was not to help us climb the obstacle,
but to move it out of the way.

All glory and honor belongs to GOD. HIS story did not end on
calvary which means that Promised Land's story does not end
here. Please stay in touch and be a witness of the wondrous works
of GOD.

The sum of our vision is to provide mankind with the hope of
JESUS CHRIST by the message of redemption. To bring
thousands into an intimate relationship with JESUS CHRIST by
practicing and effectively communicating on all levels, the
principles, the promises, and the power of GOD, thereby meeting
the needs of the whole man, spirit, soul, and body. To this end we
intend to raise Sons in the Gospel that we may keep numbers
manageable.

The Bible teaches and we believe that where JESUS abides, evil
cannot. Men are misdirected not because they plan to fail, but
because they fail to plan. Therefore Promised Land Missionary
Baptist Church intends to be a pillar in society as we minister to
the total man. While we wait patiently for the return of our
LORD, we invite all to join us in worship and service.

“May GOD BLESS YOU AT YOUR POINT OF NEED”