Manteo Church of God of Prophecy History. A Miracle in Manteo

It all began about 20 years ago when a devout Christian woman and a member of The Church of God of Prophecy moved to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, one of the most beautiful historic areas in God's creation. There was not a COGOP on the Outer Banks, so Sister Brenda Ballance and her three small children traveled 70 miles each way to attend the nearest church. That soon became too much, so she began to pray and fast for a local church.

 

Sometime later, the Rocky Mount Church purchased a lot in Manteo, which they donated for a church building. An old funeral home building was moved onto the property and renovated. At last there was COGOP for Sister Ballance to worship in.

 

Many years, pastors, and people have come and gone. Sister Ballance went home to be with the Lord, but God still had a purpose for this small church in Manteo.

 

In 1990, Steve Crews moved his family to the area to pastor the church. He, along with a small group of people, attempted to repair the building, but the coastal climate wear and tear had damaged the foundation beyond repair. In agreement with state headquarters, plans were made to erect a new building.

 

To conserve funds, plans were made to burn the existing building that also served as the parsonage. The Crews family were given a small home, which was moved to a lot and renovated.

 

After months of delays and red tape, construction could begin. But there was one thing standing in the way, the old building.

 

One day as a member was praying about the situation, God reminded her of what had happened when the children of Israel found the walls of Jericho standing in their way. So, members of the congregation began to march around the old building, believing God would remove the obstacles. On the eighth day, the fire chief called to say the building would be burned that weekend. With help from many local people, construction began.

 

On August 16, 1998, a beautiful new building was completed and dedicated as a house of worship to God. The local congregation can proudly say, “Look what the Lord has done, a miracle in Manteo has happened.”

 

Written by Sharon Austin