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Our facility consumes approximately 1-1/2 city blocks. We have some of the most magnificent 125-year old stained glass in the Midwest. We also have a pipe organ. We house the Breath of Life Bible College, a Breakfast Feeding Program and a computer lab. Our Sunday school is second to none. Capable instructors teach the Bible in a spiritual and practical manner. Classes are available for all ages.

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Our vision at Promise of Life Temple is to see our community impacted by the fires of revival. The Lord has placed a great emphasis on our hearts towards spreading the truth of the gospel and not sitting on our "blessed assurance" awaiting His return. The church world for too long has sought for recognition and fame instead of reaching out into the lost world that we live in. The Lord is using this church to shape the lives of people and establishes different ministries within one body with a common bond...the love of Jesus.

Part of the ministry's vision includes having a Children's Ministry (which is already operational), Transitional Housing and much more. The ministries will progress according to those the Lord send to unite with us as we form a large scale of worldwide evangilism.

A crucial part of The Promise of Life Temple's vision includes reching young people. Pastor Bates knows that the key to reaching most families is through the lives of the children. We are very active i outreaches to the community as well as having a variety of in-house ministries for the whole family.

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Sunday School: Our Sunday School is available for all ages. Pastor Bates teaches the Adult Class himself which is always a treat for those in attendance. Our other classes have dedicated and faithful teachers where God's Word is taught in an age appropriate manner.

Women's Council: The Women's Council has every third Sunday in which to bring forth bright and timely lessons for women of all ages. They are also responsible for many other activities on our church calendar throughout the year. Our Women's Council is directed toward the spiritual and temporal growth of all women.

Armor Bearers Young Poeple's Union: In this area of our minstry, youth are taught how to apply God's Word in the midst of today's world. Special outings are employed to teach a practical gospel to our youth. In addition, we give them opportunity to express themselves in song, spirtual dance, drama, drill teams and in biblical knowledge through our monthly pep rallies and youth services.

Food: Apart of the church's vision is to minister to the community and to help meet the needs of the natural man. The Breakfast Program gives us that opportunity and to speak with families about their needs for Christ as well.

Parenting Classes: Promise of Life Temple teams with the Catholic Charities of Rockford to provide funded parenting classes for teens and adults. In these sessions, each learns the life skills of true parenthood.

Health Screening: In conjunction with Crusaders Clinic we strive daily to meet the needs of our congregation as well as the community. During morning breakfast, members of the Crusader Clinic staff are on sight to meet primary health needs, blood pressure checks, etc. Promise of Life Temple will do everything within our power to assist in every way we can.

Counseling Service: Counseling is available with Pastor Bates by appointment or at the regularly scheduled time. Wednesday from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the church. Counseling is scriptural based, Spirit-led and addresses all issues and ages.

Computer Services: There is a computer lab available on the second floor of the church. It affords a place for quiet study as well as use of a computer for papers, etc. Life skills classes are also taught here.

Breath of Life Bible College: The Bible college offers intellectually stimulating course work that is sure to strengthen both lay members and leader in the knowledge and application of God's word. The instructors are challenging and the price is very affordable. The school is accredited and the student can earn certification towards a 2 to 4 tear degree.

Anoited Prayer: Tuesday mornings, Thursday noon and evenings, 50-minute of powerful prayer ensues. Fifty minutes represents the 50 days from the cross to the outpouring of the Holy Ghost on the Day of Pentecost.

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Rickey Bates and his wife, Valarie, are originally form St. Louis, Missouri. They believed the gospel of Jesus Christ and were taught concerning the fullness of God and God's plan of salvation by Elder richard H. Bailey of Bibleway Church in St. Louis, Missouri, where they were members.

Pastor Bates and his family purchased the building at 810 West Street in 1993 and began proclaiming the gospel. Shortly thereafter, he was called into the minstry and appointed official Pastor of the Promise of Life Temple. As the membership grew, the door was opened for the membership to purchase the current facility at 714 Third Avenue in Rockford, Illinois.

Pastor Bates loves the congregation that God has given him and together, with the blessing of God, he feels that there is nothing that cannot be accomplished in God for the building of God's kingdom.

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Promise of Life Temple places a great emphasis on worship and praise. We believe that one of the keys to finding God's heart is through intimacy, often found through times of worhsip. Equally important is the at-large time of praise, an atmosphere of celebration and rejoicing for all Jesus has done and is doing in our lives. Our worship is considered to be contemporary, yet very sensitive to the Holy Ghost.

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Promise of Life Temple is often referred to as a Pentecostal assembly, meaning we believe, practice and preach the message that started on the day of Pentecost as seen in the Bible, Acts chapter two. However, it is more accurate to say we are Apostolic. Apostolic means we teach and preach what the Apostles were taught to teach and preach by Jesus Christ. We are comprised of people from a wide variety of backgrounds. Our fellowship extends to our sister churches in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Metro Chicago area, as well as International fellowships. It is quite obvious that in these last days God is removing all barriers to display His will for a church built upon His perfect will.

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