In December 2002, Rev. Sarah Alford felt the leading of the Holy Spirit to open the doors of her home to teach a weekly bible study. She prayed and pondered a name for the ministry.In early May, she was awakened with the name "Joy" resonating in her heart. The name "Joy Fellowship Outreach Ministry" was established and on August 9, 2005 the first class was held in the home of Bro. Willie and Rev Sarah Alford at 3504 Crosswinds Drive, Hope Mills NC. In attendance were Willie Alford, Jonathan Morrison, Chavonda Baker, Mildred Glover, Ellen Sutton, and Rev. Alford teacher.

 

Bible study was held weekly each Tuesday evening. We began to seek God in prayer and believed Him to make provisions for a larger facility as souls were continually being added.

 

On July 5, 2006 a rental agreement was signed with Paul & Therese Williams at 814 Southern Avenue, Fayetteville NC as our place of worship. On September 24, 2006 at 10:00am, the first worship service was held with 33 in attendance. Fifteen souls were added to the church. Prayer was established Sunday mornings at 9:15am.

 

On Nov. 12th 2006, 814 Southern Avenue was dedicated to God as the place of worship and Installation Services were held. The Grace Chapel Baptist Church, Paterson NJ, where Trustee Willie & Rev. Alford had served in Ministry for 30 years, Pastor Gregory Wilson, officers and congregation were the guests.

 

Leaders for the church were established and By-Laws were enacted. Fifteen members were baptized at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, Fayetteville, NC with Pastor T. W. Campbell and Rev. Alford officiating in December 2006 and May, 2007.

 

On February 17, 2008, Pastor George Gilmore of Ephesus Christian Church, Hope Mills, NC ordained the first deacon, James Edward Alford and on November 14, 2010

Charles Brown was consecrated as a deacon by Rev. Bobby McKoy of New Vision Christian Church, Parkton, NC.

 

At the leading of the Holy Spirit, others ministries and outreach ministries have been implemented including a food panty ministry, a backpack program for a local school and a without walls ministry for the homeless.

 

On April 3, 2016, Pastor Alford and the members of Joy Fellowship was blessed by the hand of God to march into this present location and enjoyed the first morning worship service at 18336 Hwy. 87W, Tar Heel North Carolina. By the grace of God, we became owners of this edifice on September 30, 2016. Look at God! As we continue to seek God's  guidance, we anticipate higher heights and deeper depths in building God's kingdom and experiencing His glory in this place.