The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Jesus Tabernacle, Bakersfield, was officially inaugurated by then Zonal Pastor, Pastor Ezekiel Ojo on March 8, 2009. But the work that led to the inauguration started way back. RCCG in California had been desirous of opening a Parish in Bakersfield and had been praying for God to send someone to pastor the proposed church. So, few days after, I, a newly ordained Deacon, Frank Agbonkonkon and my family relocated from Nigeria to the United States of America and settled in Bakersfield, Pastor Olaniiran Fafowora came calling. He travelled from Los Angeles and was able to locate us in the home of Dr. Francis Ero, my cousin who we were staying with at the time. 

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This first visit by Pastor Fafowora was the visit that laid the foundation of what is today known as RCCG, Jesus Tabernacle, Bakersfield. He used the visit to acquaint himself with my family and to share with us the desire of RCCGNA to open a parish in the city of Bakersfield. Subsequent visits where to work out modalities for starting the parish and to scout around the city for a suitable location for the church. He worked tirelessly to make sure that the desire became a reality. In the place and times of doubts, God used him, and continues to use him, as a voice of encouragement.

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The first meeting of the proposed parish was between my family and the family of Tunde Bello (who also newly arrived from Nigeria). It was a Bible study meeting and it was held in the home of Mr. Ayo Ogundare where the Bellos were staying at the time. Other meetings where mainly at different parks where the two families met for weekly Bible studies and potluck.

The leadership of RCCGNA handed over the responsibility of inaugurating the new parish to Pastor Darmie Sule-Odu who was then the Area Pastor for Southern California. He worked hard to make sure that the parish was inaugurated. He was the one that named the new parish Jesus Tabernacle. The inauguration of the church took place at Clarion hotel (now Fairfax hotel by Marriot). That hotel became our place of worship every Sunday for several months.

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The post inauguration membership of the church was 7 adults and 4 children. But along the years God has brought many people into the church who He cleaned up spiritually, thought them things about Himself, awaken the gift(s) in them and sent them forth to other cities and climes for His use. That is why our testimony as a church is that almost all the brethren who have relocated to other cities in the U.S. or other countries left spiritually better than they came, and are doing great works for God where they are, To God be the glory.

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We are guided in our operations by the Vision and Mission statements of the RCCG worldwide. In these statements are tailored the Motto, Vision, and Mission statements of Jesus Tabernacle. Our Motto, as parish, is FAMILY, FRIENDS, and FELLOWSHIP. We accomplish this by helping, in a loving and tender-hearted way, to help everyone discover, develop, and ultimately deploy their potentials. The Vision of the church is: We aim to build a Loving, Caring, and God-fearing family of leaders and people who are constantly pushing barriers down, relenting with each other to positively affect our society for God’s Kingdom. And, our Mission is: To extend the Kingdom of God by any means necessary, using our core values of EXCELLENCE in all we do, EXPANSION of God’s work through church planting, EQUIPPING of saints through diverse motivational trainings, and EVANGELISM through diverse methods of soul winning. PRAYER undergirds all we do.

Since its inception, the church has been involved in activities that have positively impacted the people in Bakersfield and environs. The church has been socially responsible to the society through the weekly sharing of breakfast to the indigents and visits to homeless shelter to give items, including clothes and non-perishable food items, to those that live there. Among the annual programs of Jesus Tabernacle are the 3-day Revival program, picnic, workers appreciation and the Interdenominational Couples event which has been a blessing to many marriages and homes.  

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As God continues to expand us and use us for the people in our city, it has become necessary to buy or build a house of worship for the Lord. This will enable us to expand our programs in the central valley area of California for years to come. For that reason, we are launching a $2,000,000 (two million dollars) building fund drive. We use this medium to call on you to partner with us and give generously to this faith-based project so that we can achieve this goal.

This journey that started by faith, has been sustained and upheld by unshakeable faith in a God that cannot fail. Though pastoring a church was not part of our plans when we immigrated to the USA, but God had planned everything ahead for us. The church started almost immediately I and my family arrived the United States without knowing anywhere and anybody, except my cousin. But God was with us, has been with us, and will continue to be with us. I want to specially thank my wife for her tremendous blessings and support to me and this work. A treasure indeed. My prayer for her and our children is that blessings beyond human imaginations shall be their portion and eternity in God’s presence shall be their gain in Jesus name. My sons have been delightful souls. They make ministry work easy for me. They never complain. They brought me such peace. I am grateful.

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To my family in Jesus Tabernacle (ministers, workers, and entire members), I say thank you. Thank you for your love, support and all-round contributions to make success of what we all do for God. May your sacrifices stand as a memorial for you before God and may He reward you abundantly in Jesus name. “Thank you” also goes to Jesus Tabernacle families that have relocated to other cities or countries. You have not been forgotten. Thanks for your contributions while you were here. Your work is still speaking for you. We are thankful to God that we continue to hear good news about you.

Special thanks go to Pastor (Dr.) & Pastor (Dr, Mrs.) Olaniran Fafowora, Regional Pastor, for your continuous support for this church God used you to birth. A big thank you goes to our Provincial Pastor, Pastor (Dr, Mrs.) Chinwe Nwafor and our former Provincial Pastor, Pastor (Dr.) Ezekiel Ojo for their support. To my friend & brother, Pastor (Dr.) Shola Oludoyi, Regional Pastor & SATGO, thank you for your counsel and for always being there for us. I also want to thank Pastor Darmie Sule-Odu and all other pastors that have supported us in any way. We are grateful.

So, 10 years have gone bye and we look forward to the future. For the next 10 years and onward may God do greater works in, with, and through us that will blow our minds. May He enlarge the coast of His church, RCCG, Jesus Tabernacle, Bakersfield and make it more relevant in this end time. May good works and testimonies flow from the church and may much souls be won and drawn to Christ in Jesus name. It is God all the way.

Unto the King Eternal, Immortal, Invisible and the Only Wise God, be all thanks, praise, and adoration. And, TO HIM ALONE BE ALL THE GLORY! Amen.