‘APPEAL’ Camden, NJ is a small industrial city in South Jersey, near the Phila., PA border. It is at the lower end of the economic strata. The median household income to date is a mere $28,623, and its per capita income is $16,171. It is a city with many needs, and the personification of scripture that says, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.”(Matthew 9:37)... Fortunately, for Camden, there was a woman of God, whom He sent from Philadelphia, who knew that with Him, only a ‘few’ was necessary. Her name was Pastor Lillian Ward. Who knew that this would mean a turning point in a city with much potential and much need? Who could have guessed that the church this pastor would establish would become a historical pillar of strength and a symbol of hope for generations? God knew just who to give this vision to and the people who’d labor with her in it: Faith Tabernacle Church of The Living God. As we tell our story, you will read about how the ministry of this church has helped many to flourish in their pursuits, how agencies look to us for assistance with the needy, how mayors have sought advice from our leaders and cooperation from the church body in civic endeavors, and more. FTC came into Camden and has remained in service to the people there and neighboring towns until now. FTC has been a linchpin to a much brighter future for many who‘d previously dared not dream of one. Many have prospered, realized their dreams, and moved to other areas - but FTC has remained, yet doing the work. The ministry prevails but the wear and tear of time has taken its toll on the building. Although copious modifications have been made on the edifice over the years, the roof has aged well beyond the patchwork that has previously sustained it. Now it is in such disrepair that it must be replaced. This is an expensive venture: estimates have exceeded $150,000. And so we are making an appeal for donations to support us in this effort. We appeal to those who have fond memories of FTC, those who made memories there, and those who’d like to someday - give. We appeal to friends, neighbors, and strangers alike - to give. We need your support and pray that even as you read ‘ABOUT FTC,’ you will decide to be a blessing to us. ‘ABOUT FTC’ In the year 1969, a small band of members and friends of the Faith Tabernacle Church of The Living God, Camden, NJ, marched from a tiny storefront church to a much larger church building - their new church home, several blocks away. It was indeed a glorious day! This band of members was led by the late Bishop Lillian Ward, then Pastor Ward. It was under her dynamic leadership that the new church home was purchased with the mortgage - PAID IN FULL. This added to the excitement of the small membership that had worked arduously for a year to affect this move, and most of all they knew that the vision of their pastor and the resulting success in making this purchase was clearly the move of God Himself. Their leader’s mantra was one of faith, based on Habakkuk 2:4: “The just shall live by faith.” And so, it was the faith of this mighty Woman of God, and that of those she led in faith, that granted them God’s favor. Over the years, many modifications were made to the building, which was once a large Roman Catholic church. In 1995, the mantle of the pastorate was passed from Bishop Ward to her daughter, Bishop Barbara Ward Farmer, who remains Senior Pastor today. Renovations and refurbishments were ongoing from the beginning and made under the pastorate of both pastors. They include: a full kitchen, six (6) bathrooms, multiple offices, a Fellowship Hall, dropped ceilings, air and heating systems, a pulpit and band section, a media booth and large panoramic screen and more - all created to accommodate a growing congregation, their needs, and that of the community they served. FTC has truly ‘ministered’ to the community and has been a notable presence in the city of Camden itself. Many testimonies can be made about this edifice that is much more than a building. Many individuals and families have been blessed by the ministry of this church from its beginning. Services rendered by Faith Tabernacle exceed the traditional worship service experience, but include ‘services’ that ameliorate the lives of the needy, thus making a difference. FTC is known for its Outreach Ministry which feeds and clothes the hungry and needy on a consistent basis. There are monthly giveaways,‘walk-ins’ and ‘as needed’ giveaways. The only criteria is ‘need.’ FTC has fed the hungry with a Sunday Prayer Breakfast for decades. Then there are the holiday giveaways for children and families, and special holiday giveaways and meals for the hungry. Summertime is the time for a block party and back-to-school giveaways to those in need. There are a plethora of success stories emanating from the ministry of Faith Tabernacle. There are testimonies of those who have been the first in their family to graduate High School or college, those who’ve married and had children; first-time homeowners, car owners, business owners; men and women who’ve recovered from addictions and are now living their best life; those who’ve converted from a life of crime or promiscuity, and are now ministering to others. There are many success stories of people with dreams that emanated from some aspect of what FTC offered them. This powerful, positive influence, although centered in Camden, was not limited to it. Faith Tabernacle CLG is known as a blessing to present and former Camden residents, Philadelphians, and people from across the Tri-State area and beyond. Because of the loving spirit of this church, many individuals and families have been blessed. FTC has serviced Camden area families for more than two decades with LaBar Daycare and The Ward Center as a learning facility for the very young and providing After Care services for children up to their early teens. Both offer educational support as well as caring for children in lieu of parents who have to work well after the school day has ended. Unfortunately, due to the Global Pandemic, LaBar Daycare and The Ward Center have closed down indefinitely. Also because of the Pandemic, Faith Tabernacle Church as well as churches everywhere, has taken a significant hit in membership. FTC is an active church and one that the members and community can rely on. Our work is not finished. We still have much to offer and do. Hopefully, this page will be one where testimonies will appear and hearts will be moved to give. For, it is important to know just what this church and ministry has meant to them and still does. FTC endeavors to continue to provide an atmosphere where people can come to worship, and where services can continue to be provided to a community that sorely needs them. Help us to remain here and do the work that Pastor Lillian Ward was sent to do and Bishop Farmer continues to do. Help us by giving...
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