Historical Abstract of Perfecting Holiness Deliverance Ministries

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” - Romans 8:14 In July 1, 1999, a six-member delegation from Ohio traveled to the state of Delaware fulfilling a vision to expand the ministry to the east coast. The delegation went on a fact-finding tour; amongst the delegation were Elder Joseph A. Howell and Evangelist Rachel R. Howell. While in a relative’s home, God gave the delegation confirmation that a church should be established. Four members were to start a mission called True Holiness Church of God Mission to Delaware. Elder Joseph Howell was appointed Presiding Elder to Delaware and Evangelist Rachel Howell was one of the evangelists appointed to assist in the work. One year later, July 2000, Elder Howell moved his wife and three children, Jonathan, Brian, and Shannon to Claymont, Delaware to expand the ministry and started the mission church in Delaware. The first service was held on Sunday, August 10, 2000 in the apartment of Pastor Joseph Howell.

That September, Minister Anna L. Howell arrived in Delaware and joined the ministry. For a year, services were held once a

week at a member’s home, and at the apartment of Min. Anna Howell at Greetree Village Apartments. On Friday, April 13,

2001, God filled a resident of Greentree Village Apartments with the Holy Ghost, allowing fruit to come forth from the preaching of the gospel.

In July 2001, Greentree Village Apartments built a community building, and the small congregation was allowed to use the

kitchen/multipurpose room for weekly services. Soon the church established a Sunday School Department and Youth Choir. Other individuals began to join to the ministry. In June 2002, under the directive of the Ohio organization, the name of the church was changed to True Holiness Covenant of Peace Assembly of Wilmington, DE.

“Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared. “ - Exodus 23:20

In October 2003, Greentree Village Apartments made plans to renovate the community building. The congregation needed to find another place of worship. A space was found at Carpenter Plaza in North Wilmington, and on January 1, 2004, the saints entered into 34 Carpenter Plaza.

For the next two years, the church would see souls come and go, yet those who grabbed hold to the vision stayed, namely; Hattie Hughes and daughter Bonee´, Deacon Samuel Thompson and wife, Betty Jean Moore-Thompson, who became enduring and dedicated members. It was God’s sign that he wanted the church to grow and be blessed.

“Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? Behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” - John 4:3

In January 2007, Evangelist Howell was appointed to the role of pastor. God led the church to move from the outskirts of Wilmington into the west side of Wilmington in a store front space on 4th Street. There the church served more souls amongst a diverse community.

Collaborations with organizations and agencies were formed while on W. 4 th Street that helped the church carry out its mission more effectively. Members of the Missionary Circle partnered with the Wilmington Parks & Recreation Department to serve children in the community in a Summer time Feeding Program.

Another partnership was established with the Claymont Community Center and the church supplied holiday food baskets to their clients during Thanksgiving and Christmas. There were annual clothing drives conducted also for residents at Parkview Nursing Home. The youth of the church partnered with the Wilmington Police Athletic League (PAL Center) to host leadership and personal development workshops to inner city kids. Additionally, youth from the Upward Bound Classic program at Delaware Technical Community College became regular attendees at the monthly youth services, and became recipients of the Summer time food program. Young people were engaged in workshops that taught self-discipline and were encouraged to excel in school and in their lives.

Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. - Psalm 127:1 After three years on W 4 th Street, a larger space was needed to host all the fundraisings, community evangelism, revivals, and programs the Lord started in the church. The Trustee Board was directed to find a more permanent location for the ministry.

Following the leading of the Lord, newly consecrated Suffragan Bishop Howell inquired about space on Governor Printz Blvd. The building needed a lot of work, but in the eyes of the Lord it was just the right place to plant the church. On January 15, 2010, renovation and construction began on a new location--not by hired contractors--but by church members young and old.

The saints renewed and repaired the Governor Printz location from floor to ceiling, and in June 2010, the church walked into the newly renovated church building in Northeast Wilmington.