MARYSVILLE — A Marysville church that has been meeting in a storefront on State Street plans to move to a new, larger building in Smokey Point.
The name of the church has already been changed to Abundant Faith International Christian Center, said Jason Martin, pastor of the church. The old name, Jesus Is Lord Life Tabernacle, needed to be updated, he said.
“Abundant Faith is a little bit more modern,” he said. “Some people were confused about Jesus Is Lord Life Tabernacle. They weren’t sure if we were a bookstore or a church.”
Martin added the word “international” to signal the church’s dedication to reaching people worldwide through podcasts, television broadcasts and other technology.
The church began in 1998 with three families. It has since grown to 200 members, Martin said.
The new location is a 7,000-square-foot building on Smokey Point Boulevard that can seat up to 350 people, he said. The church is meeting temporarily in a banquet hall at the Medallion Hotel in Smokey Point. Martin expects to begin holding services in the new building in August. A giant banner with Martin’s photo now drapes the side of the new building.
In another shift, Martin now uses the title of bishop, which he said was given to him by his congregation to honor his 18 years of ministry.
“They surprised me,” he said.
Martin became well-known in the region in 2004, when he found a burning cross in the front yard of his home. Local religious leaders gathered around Martin and his family in support. Since then, the pastor has been active with Christians United for Israel.
Krista J. Kapralos: 425-339-3422, kkapralos@heraldnet.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
