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 1982
In April, the Hoovers dedicated the Butlers' newly renovated basement for the purpose of holding midweek and Sunday evening services there. Robert was ordained by Pastor Keith Hazell in May.
That year we were looking for a larger facility and considered the former RCMP station on main street. After all, it would hold at least 35-40 people! It turned out to be too expensive for us, but our inquiry was still significant, as time would prove. The building's owner, Mr. Bruce Boothby, told us about some land west of Highway 22 which he also owned and was planning to develop. In the spring of 1983, acting on what Robert believed to be God's leading, a group of New Lifers went and stood on the raw land. We worshipped and claimed a piece of it for the work of the Lord.
As no plans would be finalized for the development of that specific area for several years, only God knew the significance of our act of obedience. Today, two Christian churches flourish on that same piece of land: Cochrane Valley Community Church and Bow Valley Baptist Church.
Joshua 14:9
"So Moses swore on that day, saying, 'Surely the land on which your foot has trodden shall be an inheritance to you and to your children forever, because you have followed the Lord my God fully.'
1983
Our children's ministry took off with the birth of the Good News Club (run by Caroline Foyle, Hazel Elkin and Joyce Ball). One year later, we had our first Vacation Bible School. This was also the time when our women's ministry, Women of Destiny, began.
In October we brought Robert into full time ministry. Although he and Angela knew the financial limitations of our small congregation, God blessed us with a flow of provision that has never left us short.
It was also in 1983 that Robert began to preach on commitment. As a result, we experienced a “Gideon's revival”. Our congregation decreased from 84 people to 29.
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