Our Assistant Pastor received a higher calling and was ushered into the presence of the Lord on January 24, 1997, after being a Fisher of Men for many years. He was excited about the Lord Jesus Christ, and brought forth God’s Word with such joy. He lived his life based on his first message, “Here Am I Lord, Send Me.” He studied, preached and witnessed the Love of Jesus in his life consistently, and reminded his congregation to “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:19-20

BISHOP JAMES R. PEEBLES, SR. D.D

Our visionary went home to receive his greatest metal of honor for the King of kings and Lord of lords. Bishop went home to be with the Lord on September 21, 1996. We can truly say that we were reminded often, Bishop wasn’t worried about his soul, he fixed it with Jesus a long time ago. Our Bishop would always tell us, “Don’t get on the fast pace road! Stay quiet! Listen to the leadership and God will guide you to assured victory …” Bishop bore fruits in his labor. He set up Jericho Church with six members; secured loan for land; occupied first church; burned mortgage; marched in second church; launched JCTC; purchased church center and parking lots; began building on third church; moved in third church; elevated to Bishop; burned mortgage after three years; purchased 82 acres of land; and 1997 – vision (Jericho City of Praise) to reality, with membership of over eight thousand. Everything our Bishop put his hands to prospered. Let us therefore follow Christ as our beloved Bishop did that we, too, can say, “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” Timothy 4:6-8