Deacon Alan Sampson owned his own masonry business and had several young men working for him.  He often spoke to them about the Lord.  At this time, Solomon "Duke" Flowers Jr was working for him.  Alan states that the Lord told him to go to Roberta, GA,  which is where Duke was originally from. In March 1996, Alan started having Bible Study in the home of the deceased Solomon "Bubba " Flowers Sr and Stella Flowers in Roberta, GA.  Souls were saved and the home soon became overcrowded.  In August 1996, Deacon Sampson and some of the brothers who were attending Bible Study went out looking for a building in which to hold Bible Study.  After much work, they began having Bible Study in an old bank.  

 

The Bible Study became more like Church.  People would ask Alan if he was going to be the Preacher.  He would tell them no because he did not want the job.  Alan states that the Lord showed him over and over that there was more work for him to do.  "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy path" (Proverbs 3:5 & 6).  In 1997, Deacon Alan Sampson became Pastor Alan Sampson.

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More souls were saved and the bank did not accomodate the growing Church.  In June 1999, Pastor Sampson and the Deacons went looking for some land to build a Church.  God blessed us with land on Highway 341 North in Roberta, GA.  After a little more than two years, and with the help of various individuals and organizations, Roberta Church of God by Faith was finally blessed with a beautiful sanctuary (which is now the balcony). In October 2001, under the leadership of Pastor Alan Sampson, the few but faithful members moved into the Church.  In the book of Isaih it says to "cry loud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgressions".  Sampson did just that.  

 

God continued to bless Roberta.  Over the years the Church continued to grow and the building could not comfortably accomodate the growing congregation.  Elder Alan Sampson had a vision which was to build a dome with room for a growing congregation.  In June 2007, with the Lord on their side and with hard work, dedication and sacrifices from Elder Sampson, the Deacons and others, we moved into our beautiful dome.

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This road has not been easy; but we move by faith.  Here in Roberta, we have Christ and lots of love.  In the book of Phillipians, scripture tells us that "we can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth us".  With God on our side and Elder Alan Sampson as our leader, Roberta COGBF is truly blessed.  We have come a long way.

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Written by Sisters Horis "Peaches" Flowers and Patricia Baker