ABOUT RLFWC
Redeeming Life Family Worship Center History
The Redeeming Life Family Worship Center (RLFWC) was ordained by God on June 6, 2004 at the Radisson Hotel (presently named Doubletree) located on127th at Cicero in Alsip, IL. The service was a blessed time in the Lord.
Following that service the Lord later blessed us with a musician, Min. Wynton Kato who proved to be instrumental in taking our praise and worship to a higher level. On October 10, 2004 our pastor was installed at a "Handing Down the Mantle Retirement Celebration" for Pastor Samuel A. Fluker who had previously served as pastor of RLFWC. This service was held at the Sweet Holy Spirit Church's east location and was conducted under the leadership of Pastor Larry D. Trotter. We were blessed to have friends and family stop by to support us in our endeavor.
Later that year on November 25, 2004 we sponsored our first skating party, another milestone for our budding ministry. Though we had a few bumps and bruises along the way, by the end of 2004 we were still standing strong. We remained at the Doubletree for the duration of one year.
By 2005 we were preparing ourselves for our "Life in the Word Conference" which was held at our new location, Eisenhower High School in Blue Island, IL. This event was held from June 5 - 12, 2005 in celebration of our 1st year anniversary. We were honored to have speakers such as Bishop Charles E. Black, Pastor Pete Contreras, Pastor Rico Butler, Pastor Mark Henton, Elder Lisa Ballard, and Bishop Travis Grant in attendance for this event. Our "Life in the Word Conference" was a huge success and all who were a part of it were blessed.
Shortly thereafter our pastor was elected to serve as President of BIAMA (Blue Island Area Ministers Association); and on Septermber 11, 2005 RLFWC sponsored the 9-11 service held in Blue Island in remembrance of the many lives that were lost due to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. This multi-cultural event was celebrated by the many different ethnic and social groups that comprise the Blue Island community. Everyone pulled together and pitched in to help make this event a great success.
While RLFWC was facilitating this event the Flukers were preparing for a flight out to attend the home-going service of Sis Fluker's brother. To their delight, RLFWC was able to carry on the conclusion of this service in the absence of our Pastor, and it is believed by many that this was the best 911 service in Blue Island thus far.
On 5th Sundays RLFWC would celebrate our ROOTS, at the New Life Family Worship Center at 32 E. 113th Place, formerly known as the House of Inspiration. On October 30, 2005 at the last ROOTS program of the year, we showed our appreciation towards our musician Bro. Wynton Kato. The speaker for this service was Pastor Anthony Fluker, who has since gone on to be with the Lord.
2006 was a year of both trials and triumphs for RLFWC On November 15, 2005 RLFWC was hit with another blow with the passing of our Pastor Fluker's brother. Pastor Fluker was truly devastated by this sudden and unexpected turn of events, but with the prayers and support of faithful friends and loved-ones, the Lord brought him through. Not long after this, on February 23, 2006 we were shaken again by another passing. This time it was our Pastor's father. As difficult as this ordeal was, Pastor Fluker was able to preach his way through, especially after God instructed him to revive what remains.
On June 6, 2006 the Lord allowed us to celebrate our second birthday as a church. Shortly after that date, on June 27, we had to endure yet again with another death, that of another brother of Sis Fluker. As we had done so many times before, once again we continued on by the grace of God. In July of that same year we held our first Family and Friends Day; we enjoyed BBQ, baseball, great food, games, activities, and plenty of friends and family came by to celebrate with us on what appeared to be the hottest day of that year. Despite the heat it turned out great to be a great gathering. On August 12, 2006 we were faced with death yet again; this time it was the death of Sis Fluker's mother.
Although this was a very trying year for us we were blessed to endure. We understood that God was preparing us for a great work and that to help others through their tests and trials we needed to experienced pain ourselves. So triumphantly, we held our ground and made it through.
Not long after overcoming these occurrences we were forced to enjoy service outside in the parking lot of Eisenhower High School. It was here that the devil thought he had us, but we stood our ground and gave all the glory to God for the position that He had us in. We made the best of our situation, and thanks be to God that giveth us the victory.
By September 10, 2006 we moved into the St. Phillips Lutheran Church located 2500 W. 12th Street in Blue Island, where we presently worship, and on October 20, 2006 we had our first Fish Fry. Everyone who participated did an awesome Job. On November 24, we sponsored a Gospel Concert featuring Sis Loretta Oliver and Sis Vernon Oliver Price, and once again RLWFC came through with flying colors. Everyone was on their post and beautifully attired for this event, making it an evening we will not soon forget. We thank God for the mountains and the valleys he's allowed us to see. Although we've come this far by faith, we realize that the best is yet to come. We trust that the year 2007 will be greater than the rest.