A Brief History

The Fountain of Life Ministries International came into being as the Greater Pittsburgh Fountain of Life Church in July, 1990, under the direction of its founder, Pastor Gerald G. Loyd.  Having planted churches in several Pennsylvania cities, Pastor Loyd was directed to return to his native Pittsburgh and commence a work there.

As the church grew, it purchased a church building, which was renovated for worship and social purposes.  In April, 1993, the church moved into the facility at 247 Johnston Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA.  Later that year, a Foster Care

program was implemented in cooperation with the church’s social service arm. Pittsburgh Community Helps was the first African American foster care agency in Allegheny County.  For 13 years, PCH served the community by recruiting, training and overseeing families for children who needed out - of - home care.

 
As the Holy Spirit pressed on his heart to continue planting other assemblies, Dr. Loyd began outreach in Lakeland, Florida during the summer of 1998.  The Fountain of Life Church of Central Florida was the result of two crusades in the area.  The move necessitated a transition that would allow Bishop Loyd to oversee the work of the ministry as opposed to pastoring on a detailed basis.  Thus, a new corporation was formed for the Pittsburgh church and it was renamed Fountain of Life Church of Pittsburgh in 1999.  The Greater Pittsburgh Fountain of Life Church became Fountain of Life Ministries International, and as a 501 (c)(3) church organization, serves as the mother organization of the two churches.

The headquarters for Fountain of Life Ministries International moved to Lakeland, Florida in 2004, as Bishop Loyd and his family located there to strengthen and build the Lakeland church.  In September, 2008, Bishop Loyd and the Lakeland congregation began evangelistic outreach in Tampa, Florida.  In October, 2008, the Fountain of Life Church of Central Florida Tampa congregation was officially launched.  We anticipate a tremendous move of God as this young congregation begins to take shape. 

Additionally, Fountain of Life Ministries oversees ministries in Africa.  Fountain of Life Ministries International of the Democratic Republic of the Congo oversees a Bible school and has planted a church in Lubumbashi.  Fountain of Life Ministries International of Cote D’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) has been established and plans are underway to develop and oversee works in the city of Abidjan. 

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