Church History
New Hope Faith Center Church of God in Christ

In October of 1984, a small group of people met at the home of Sherman and Elizabeth Armwood to start their first church service.  Church services were held in Minister Armwood’s home for two weeks.  During that time, the congregation was named New Hope Pentecostal Church.  Minister Sherman Armwood was called to open for the church at H.E. Charles Middle School.  Pastor Armwood moved the church from his home to the new location.  It was at this location that Pastor Armwood was ordained an Elder. New Hope Pentecostal Church remained at H.E. Charles for 18 months. Because of the location, the church could have only limited services.  Being Inspired by God, Pastor Armwood found  a new and larger location on Edgar Park Drive.  Here the church began to have midweek and fellowship services. In August of 1989, Pastor Armwood  and the congregation purchased a Church on Aladdin Street.  It was a very small building and needed a lot of work, however, God and they worshipped at that location for four years. In 1995 , Pastor Armwood led the congregation to purchase a new Church building on McCombs Street.  It was at this location that Pastor Armwood aligned the church and congregation with Texas Western Jurisdiction, Churches of God in Christ (COGIC).  At this time, the church changed its name to New Hope Faith Center, Church of God in Christ. During which time, Pastor Armwood was appointed superintendent of the first district, Texas Western Jurisdiction, Churches of God in Christ (COGIC).  Appointments he held proudly, and with distinction. Pastor Armwood moved the church to 4400 Edgar Park Drive in March of 2000, and remained the Pastor until his death on May 10th 2000.  After the demise of Pastor Armwood in June 2001, New Hope was under the district leadership of Bishop J.O.  Lawson the Jurisdiction Prelate of the Texas Western Juisdiction until the Lord led him to choose someone else to continue the vision for the church. Bishop Lawson was led to make Minister Major Thomas the interim and next leader to be a servant over New Hope and continue to serve the people of God.  Uncertainty set in, and the church became unstable under its new leadership.  Minister Thomas was relieved as interim pastor by Bishop Lawson in May 2001.  Bishop Lawson began to seek God once again for a leader to carry on the vision of New Hope Faith Center.  Bishop Lawson took over as pastor after the release of Minster Thomas. In June 2001. Bishop chose two anointed evangelists to minister to the people until the next leader was chosen.  These two awesome men of God were none other than Elder Timothy Grant and Elder Timothy Jones.  After unrest came over the people as to who would be their pastor, the Spirit of God moved on Bishop Lawson and he prayerfully talked with both evangelists to  see who would take on this diligent undertaking.  As God would have it, the choice was made.  God has chosen Elder Timothy Jones and directed his path to the El Paso area for such a time as this. In July 2001, Elder Timothy Jones with his wife and family prayed and Accepted the call to be the next leader trusting God’s direction to carry the dream and vision of New Hope Faith Center.  Not doubting God for one moment, Elder Jones began to pray diligently, to train and love the people of God that were left to see God’s church continue.  These members were. Mother Armwood, the wife of the late Pastor Armwood; Deacon Berry, Minister and Deacon Verge, who was called on to do a work elsewhere and Sister Mildred Close.  From the time God planted His servant as His humble chosen vessel, God began to send in willing workers.  After seeing the awesome move of God, Elder Jones was given the motto of God gives the increase from 1 Corinthians 3:6 which the Apostle Paul said, I have planted  God, Apollos watered but God gave the increase. Finally, in September 2001, Elder Jones was appointed Pastor of New Hope Faith Center Church of God in Christ (COGIC) and the hand of the Lord has and is carrying on the vision and dream that started many years ago.  To God  Be the glory!  We trust that the Lord will continue to see us through And give the increase.