HUMBLE BEGINNING
Faith Evangelistic Ministries started by Leighton David Smith.
He was a Christian businessman on Wall Street in New York City and had a passion for Bible prophecy as it relates to the end time events. In 1995 God laid it on his heart to start a Bible Study with five people in his small office located at 5 Beekman Street, New York, NY 10038. The bible study grew so fast that his small office could no longer accommodate the crowd, so he rented another space in the same building but that did not solve the problem. Shortly after, the bible study became a church even though Leighton had no intention of becoming a pastor, but his prophetic teaching kept drawing people from all over. Leighton finally accepted the call of God and was ordained pastor of the same bible study group, which was incorporated as Faith Evangelistic Ministries, Intl. AKA FEM Wall Street. His wife, Marjorie Smith joined hands and heart with him to shepherd this great flock; she also took over the operation of the business.
NO DWELLING PLACE
FEM started holding services at the Loews Hotel now known as the Double Tree Metropolitan in mid-town Manhattan. After a while, the church had a nomadic life like the children of Israel. This drove Pastor Smith to seek God for a place where he would not have to keep moving. He referred to 2 Samuel 7:10a “Moreover I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own and move no more….” The Lord answered his prayer by directing him to a real estate broker. He was shown a place but in the eyes of the members that place looked impossible for a church nevertheless Pastor Smith accepted it. Among his flock was an architect, who drew the plan for the church. After much work, that place is now where we presently worship, 90 William Street, New York, NY 10038. His members were in awe of the finished work. After 8 years of leasing, by the help of God, we were able to purchase this space including an additional floor. To God be the glory!
The road to this juncture was not easy, to say the least. There were challenges that were enough reasons for Pastor Smith to consider quitting as an option. Those tough times were what determined whether Pastor Smith was called and sent or he loved it and went.
IT WAS THE LEADING OF THE LORD
Pastor Smith had no idea that he was following in the footsteps of another great Christian businessman, Jeremiah Lamphair. After many years of research, Pastor Smith found out that in 1857 Brother Jeremiah started praying in his office on Fulton Street, New York, NY 10038 the very same Zip code where our church is currently located. Through the prayers of Bro Jeremiah, he was soon joined by throngs of people and that gave birth to the great Fulton Street Revival which touched the world.
EXPANSION – GROWTH
FEM continued to grow rapidly as Pastor Smith preached and taught the uncompromising word of God, not to mention the Prophetic Seminars that brought healing, deliverance and enlightenment to many. FEM expanded beyond its horizon with Pastor Smith teaching on radio stations in Jamaica West Indies, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados and Guyana. In 2003 a church, Countdown Ministry was birthed in Higgin Town, St Ann, Jamaica W.I. In 2019, the name was changed to Faith Evangelistic Ministry, Countdown Assembly which is presently under the leadership of Pastor Robert Weller, working with him is Minister Hugh Grant and his wife, Yanique Morris Grant.
TRANSITION
1995 – 2012
FEM’s ship had lost anchor, and its sails were torn in 2012 when the founder and pastor, Leighton David Smith made his transition from this life to his heavenly home. This certainly rocked the ship, and it was difficult for the members and all whose lives he touched to say goodbye to this great man of God. FEM has grown to trust God in whatever He does because He always knows what is best and He has a reason for what He does. Even though at times it is difficult to accept God’s will, FEM joined in the song which says, Lord, we cannot thy purpose see; but all is well, since ruled by Thee.” Like Paul, Pastor Smith had fought the good fight, he had finished the race, he had kept the faith…”
NEW LEADERSHIP
2012 to Present
FEM picked up the pieces and continued to sing, I’m pressing on the upward way, new heights I’m gaining every day; still praying as I onward bound, Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.
Under the Leadership of Bishop Roger Weller and the Board of Directors, FEM continues to grow in the knowledge of God’s word, fixing our eyes on Jesus who is our anchor. FEM is in an area that is dominated by tourists from all over the world, so we must find ways to reach them. By the leading of the Holy Spirit, we dedicate one Sunday per month from June to December to leave the four walls of the church and take the gospel to the Streets of lower Manhattan. We sing songs, read, preach the word of God and pray for those who need prayer as we evangelize. This is the great commission to us as God’s followers.
Amidst all the changes, FEM continues to stand on the promises of God.