After over 20 years of faithful and fruitful pastoral leadership in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, God pressed in the spirit of Bishop Raymond E. Angel to found a new ministry. This ministry would be established on the unadulterated gospel of Jesus Christ (Full Gospel) and the freedom to worship God in spirit and in truth. Through much prayer, faith, and obedience to God, Paradise Mission Full Gospel Worship Center was birthed in the earth realm on Thursday, September 29, 2005, after an official meeting at the Old Goodwater High School Gymnasium. Bishop Raymond E. Angel was received as the pastor and founder.

 

On October 2, 2005, Paradise Mission had its first worship service. God blessed as 67 members were added to the church. The church continued to grow as worship services were held at Old Goodwater High School and after a few months there, the church entered into a lease agreement with Joyful Praise Family Worship Center to utilize their facilities for Sunday worship services from 8:45 AM - 10:00 AM. After this lease period ended, the church returned to the Old Goodwater High School as the pastor and officers began their search for a permanent home. 

 

In May 2006, Paradise Mission entered into a rent to own agreement with the owners of the Old Goodwater National Guard Armory. The Paradise Family endured another hot summer and cold winter as there was much work that needed to be done at their present home. After looking for property and giving consideration to building a new house of worship; God led the family to purchase the Old Goodwater National Guard Armory and transform it into Paradise Mission’s home. After many no’s, in May 2007, God provided the provision required to make Paradise Mission a house for God. 

 

By December 2007, a complete renovation of the facilities was completed as God’s work continued and Paradise Mission continued to glorify God. The next two-plus years proved to be a time of joy and fruitfulness, but on June 15, 2010, God called Bishop Angel home to glory.

 

The next 18 months would prove to be a time of testing as Paradise Mission was without a pastor. But through prayer to God and obedience to him, on January 29, 2012, the officers and members of Paradise Mission called and received Pastor Brian L. Thomas as their new pastor. This would prove to be the dawn of a new day at Paradise Mission. 

 

Under Pastor Thomas' leadership, Paradise Mission has continued to advance in God's work and grow in virtually every aspect of ministry. Through the steadfast teaching and preaching of God's word under the anointing of the Holy Ghost, many souls have been saved, backsliders have been reclaimed, and the kingdom of God has been advanced the more. For all of this, we give God all the glory! God has truly proven that He is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we can ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.