DUNAMIS is located on the corner of Cassadaga Road and Matanzas Street in Cassadaga. Although we are located in Cassadaga due to delivering post office designation for GPS look-up enter location as 1079 Matanzas Street Lake Helen, Fl. 32744 [This is NOT a mailing address]
WHAT WE BELIEVE - DO YOU?
The Bible is our all-sufficient rule for faith and practice.This Statement of fundamental Truths is intended simply as a basis of fellowship among us (i.e., that we all speak the same thing, 1 Corinthians 1:10; Acts 2:42).The Phraseology employed in this statement is not inspired or contended for, but the truth set forth is held to be essential to a full-gospel ministry.No claim is made that it contains all biblical truth, only that it covers our need as to these fundamental doctrines.
1. The Scriptures Inspired
The Scriptures, both the Old and New Testaments, are verbally inspired of God and are the revelation of God to man, the infallible, authoritative rule of faith and conduct. (2 Tim. 3:15-17; I Thess. 2:13; 2 Peter 1:21)
2. The One True God
The one true God has revealed Himself as the eternally self-existent "I AM," the Creator of heaven and earth and the Redeemer of mankind.He has further revealed Himself as embodying the principles of relationship and association as Father, Son, and Holy Ghost (Deut. 6:4; Isa. 43:10, 11; Matt. 28:19; Luke 3:22).
3. The Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ
The Lord Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God.The Scriptures declare:
(a) His virgin birth (Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:31, 35).
(b) His sinless life (Hebrews 7:26; I Peter 2:22).
(c) His miracles (Acts 2:22; 10:38).
(d) His substitutionary work on the cross (1 Cor. 15:3; 2 Cor. 5:21).
(e)His bodily resurrection from the dead (Matthew 28:6; Luke 24:39; 1 Cor. 15:4).
(f)His exaltation to the right hand of God (Acts 1:9, 11; 2:33; Phillippians 2:9-11; Hebrews 1:3).
4. The Fall of Mankind
The human race was created good and upright; for God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness." However, man by voluntary transgression fell and thereby incurred not only physical death but also spiritual death, which is separation from God (Genesis 1:26, 27; 2:17; 3:6; Romans 5:12-19).
5. The Salvation of Mankind
Mankind's only hope of redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ the Son of God.
(a) Conditions to Salvation
Salvation is received through repentance toward God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ. By the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost, being justified by grace through faith, a person becomes an heir of God according to the hope of eternal life (Luke 24:47; John 3:3; Romans 10:13-15; Ephesians 2:8; Titus 2:11;3:5-7).
(b) The Evidences of Salvation
The inward evidence of salvation is the direct witness of the Spirit (Romans 8:16).The outward evidence to all people is a life of righteousness and true holiness (Eph. 4:24; Titus 2:12).
6. The Ordinances of the Church
(a) Baptism in Water
The ordinance of baptism by immersion is commanded in the Scriptures. All who repent and believe in Christ as Savior and Lord are to be baptized. Thus they declare to the world that they have died with Christ and that they also have been raised with Him to walk in newness of life (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 10:47, 48;Romans 6:4).
(b) Holy Communion
The Lord's Supper, consisting of the elements-bread and the fruit of the vine-is the symbol expressing our sharing the divine nature of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:4); a memorial of His suffering and death (1 Cor.11:26); and a prophecy of H is second coming (1 Cor. 11;26); and is enjoined on all believers "till He comes."
7. The Baptism in The Holy Ghost
All believers are entitled to and should ardently expect and earnestly seek the promise of the Father, the Baptism in the Holy Ghost and fire, according to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ.This was the normal experience of all in the early Christian Church. With it comes the enduement of power for life and service, the bestowment of the gifts and their uses in the work of the ministry (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4, 8; I Cor.12:1-31). This experience is distinct from and subsequent to the experience of the new birth (Acts 8:12-17; 10:44-46; 15:7-9).With the Baptism in the Holy Ghost come such experiences as an overflowing fullness of the Spirit (John 7:37-39;Acts:4:8), a deepened reverence for God (Acts 2:43; Heb.12:28), an intensified consecration to God anddedication to His work (Acts 2:42), and a more active love for Christ, for His word, and for the lost. (Mark 16:20).
8. The Initial Physical Evidence of the Baptism in The Holy Ghost
a.The baptism of believers in the Holy Ghost is witnessed by the initial physical sign of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit of God gives them utterance (Acts 2:4). The speaking in tongues in this instance is the same in essence as the gift of tongues (I Cor.12:4-10, 28), but different in purpose and use.
b.The physical sign of prophesying as the Holy Ghost so willed [Acts 19:6(KJV)
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. 1 Cor. 12:11 (KJV)But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.]
c.The physical sign of proclaiming the Word of God with boldness[Acts 4:31 (KJV) And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.]
9. Sanctification
Sanctification is an act of separation from that which is evil, and of dedication unto God (Rom.12:1, 2; I Thess. 5:23; Heb.13:12). The Scriptures teach a life of "holiness without which no man shall see the Lord" (Heb.12:14). By the power of the Holy Ghost we are able to obey the command, "Be ye holy, for I am holy" (I Peter 1:15, 16).
Sanctification is realized in the believer by recognizing his identification with Christ in His death and resurrection, and by faith reckoning daily upon the fact of that union, and by offering every faculty continually to the dominion of the Holy Spirit. (Rom.6:1-11, 13; Rom.8:1, 2, 13; Gal. 2:20; I Peter 1:5; Phil. 2:12-13).
10. The Church
The Church is the Body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit, with divine appointments for the fulfillment of her great commission. Each believer, born of the Spirit, is an integral part of the General Church and Church of the Firstborn, which are written in heaven (Ephesians 1;22, 23; 2:22; Hebrews 12;23).
11. The Ministry
A divinely called and scripturally ordained ministry has been provided by our Lord for the threefold purpose of leading the Church in: (1) The evangelization of the world, and (2) Worship of God (John 4:23, 24), and (3) The edifying of the Body o f Christ (Mark 16:15-20; Eph.4:11-13).
12. Divine Healing
Divine healing is an integral part of the gospel. Deliverance from sickness is provided for in the atonement and is the privilege of all believers (Isaiah 53:4,5; Matt. 8:16, 17; James 5:14-16).
13. The Blessed Hope
The resurrection of those who have fallen asleep in Christ and their translation together with those who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord is the imminent and blessed hope of the Church (I Thess.4:16, 17; Romans 8:23; Titus 2:13; I Cor.15:51, 52).
14. The Millennial Reign of Christ
The Second Coming of Christ includes the rapture of the saints, which is our blessed hope, followed by the visible return of Christ with His saints to reign on earth for one thousand years (Zech.14:5; Matt. 24:27, 30; Revelation 1:7; 19:11-14, 2 0:1-6). This millennial reign will bring the salvation of national Israel (Ezekiel 37:21, 22; Zephaniah 3:19-20; Romans 11:26-27) and the establishment of universal peace (Isaiah 11:6-9; Psalm 72:3-8; Micah 4:3-4).
15. The Final Judgment
There will be a final judgment at which the wicked dead will be raised and judged according to their works. Whosoever is not found written in the Book of Life, together with the devil and his angels, the beast and the false prophet, will be consigned to everlasting punishment in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death (Matt. 25:46; Mark 9:43-48; Revelation 19:20; 20:11-15; 21:8).
16. The New Heavens and the New Earth
"We, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness"(2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:22).
DUNAMIS Community & Outreach Ministries HISTORY
U Rev. John A. Ferro Pioneered Current Church in August 1996 in New Smyrna Beach .
U Relocated in Lake Helen in 1998, joining together with a small group from the West Volusia area. After our first services in a home in Deltona we then moved to Volusia Pines Elementary School . In April of 1999 we relocated to 336 S. Lakeview Dr. in a small strip plaza. About 1 mile from the Spiritualist Camp of Cassadaga.
U Name of Church: DUNAMIS Community & Outreach Ministries, Inc.- It comes from Acts 1:8 “ But ye shall receive power [DUNAMIS], after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem [COMMUNITY], and in all Judaea , and in Samaria , and unto the uttermost part of the earth “ [OUTREACH]. Ministry = to serve.
U We are currently involved in Women's Resource/Crisis Center, Evangelism, Florida; the Chaplaincy for the Volusia County Department of Corrections and Department of Juvenile Justice supported residential facilities. We have also been involved in Nursing Home Ministry, various Youth Activities and Suicide Prevention.
U God began to put the Cassadaga area on our hearts while at the school and continues until now.
UApril 4, 1999 Sunrise Service at Lake Colby in Cassadaga. Two other Churches joined us for this powerful and groundbreaking service. Two minor complaints from the Spiritualists.
UOctober 31, 1999 Sunday Morning Worship Service at Lake Colby . Much persecution and media coverage came. JESUS WAS LIFTED UP!
U Week of November 12, 2000 was for Prayer & Fasting. During this time the Lord began to speak to the Pastor and then confirmed during a prayer service by Rev. Bonnie Branton that it was time to possess the land in Cassadaga.
U During this time Elder Bruce Epstein noticed Cassadaga Road property for sale.
U Confirmed several times by Member Rich McCarthy – “If you build, they will come.”
UNovember 28, 2000 we signed a Contract for Purchase of that property in Cassadaga. Located about 8/10 of a mile from the center of the Spiritualist Camp.
UFebruary 13, 2001 Planning & Land Development Regulation Commission votes 3-2 in favor of Special Exception, but a 4-1 vote is needed due to one Commissioner leaving when our case came up and another absent or also left. It appeared that the Commission bowed to the pressure given by about 15 Spiritualists.
U Purchased Cassadaga Road Property March 14, 2001 in faith, believing that County approval would eventually come .
UApril 19, 2001 at 10:00 AM we went before the County Council of Volusia to appeal our case. Erik Stanley with Matt Staver’s Liberty Counsel represented us. Lost our Appeal by a 4-3 vote. Again, although the County staff recommendation was favorable, it appeared that the Council bowed to the pressure presented by about 15 Spiritualists and refused to listen to Mr. Stanley. [County Council Meeting Minutes Below]
U May 2001 decision made to file lawsuit against Volusia County in Federal Court with Liberty Counsel.
UMay 31, 2001 we file lawsuit, through The Liberty Counsel, against Volusia County in Federal Court. Violation of First Amendment and the recently passed Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act.
UJan. 14, 2002 Church Depositions Begin. Volusia County's Attorney deposes previous and current Treasurers and Pastor John. John's deposition time alone was over 11 hours with probably no more than 2 hours directly dealing with our case.
USept. 5, 2002 County settles out of court with 7-0 & 2 Spiritualist in favor of Dunamis. [County Council Meeting Minutes Below]
UAug. 1, 2003 Liberty Counsel sends letter to County requesting 1 year’s extension of Special Exception.
UAug. 5, 2003 County Approves Extension
UDec. 17, 2003 County Approves Final Site Plan with adjustments to be made at department levels.
UApril 19, 2004 St Johns River Water Management District Issues Permit for construction & operation
UJuly 21, 2004 Volusia County issues Final Site Plan Development Order
UApril 19, 2005 County approves Final Site Plan with Certified Copy of Plan.
UJune 17, 2005 Ginger Martin Volusia County Environmental Permitting Manager County Forester grants permission to clear Church property!
UJune 19, 2005 Historic Ground Breaking Event
UJuly 10, 2005 First Worship Service on Cassadaga Church Property
U Week of November 6, 2005 Building Plans submitted
Well and septic installed.
U January 24, 2006 Re-submitted Building Plans to County Building Dept.
U February 7, 2006 Building Plans APPROVED by Building Dept.
U February 8, 2006 Building Permit ISSUED! Thank You Lord Jesus!!!!!!
U March 15, 2006 Foundation is Poured!
U March 18, 2006 Cornerstone is Set - Christians Celebrate Jesus!!!!
U March 23, 2006 Block Walls are UP!! Thank You Lord Jesus!!!!!!
U From March until October 2006 - Plumbing, Electrical, Air Conditioning/Heat Rough-ins and Drywall Have been completed!
U APRIL 4, 2007 VOLUSIA COUNTY ISSUES CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY - FIRST "OFFICIAL" WORSHIP SERVICE TO BE HELD RESURRECTION SUNDAY! Thank You LORD JESUS!
U APRIL 8, 2007 Resurrection Sunday FIRST OFFICIAL WORSHIP SERVICE IN NEW HOUSE OF WORSHIP IN CASSADAGA, FLORIDA!
U JUNE 2, 2007 HOUSE OF WORSHIP DEDICATED UNTO OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST BY THE BODY OF CHRIST!
Volusia County Council 4-19-01 Minutes Excerpt
VolusiaCounty Council Minutes April 19, 2001
Item 8
A-01-055 - Application of Pastor John Ferro for Dunamis Community & Outreach Ministries, Inc., Contract Purchaser, Monte Carlo, Inc., Owner, to APPEAL the decision of defacto denial by the Planning and Land Development Regulation Commission (PLDRC) on case S-01-029 and APPROVE the Special Exception for a House of Worship and a waiver to Section 817.00(d)(2) (off-street parking surface requirements) to allow grass parking on A-3 (Transitional Agriculture) zoned property. The property is located on the north side of Cassadaga Road between Matanzas Street and San Diego Street in the community of Cassadaga, south of the City of Lake Helen; ± 2.2 acres
PLDRC Recommendation: defacto DENIAL OPPOSITION at PLDRC Meeting
Staff Recommendation: APPROVAL
Staff Contacts: Scott Ashley, Extension 2014 Memorandum No. GM-ZON-01-027
Mary B. Robinson, Extension 2013
Mr. Doug Weaver, Assistant County Attorney, reminded all that this is an appeal so all remarks and evidence must be confined to remarks and evidence already in the record from the Planning and Land Development Regulation Commission meeting.
Attorney Eric Stanley said that he represents Outreach Ministries. He said that a house of worship is allowed as a Special Exception on this site. Mr. Stanley cited United States Code Annotated, Title 42, Chapter 21C, Religious Land Use stating that it is a new law that deals with religious institutions. He further cited Florida Statutes Annotated, Title XLIV, Chapter 761 also known as the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1998. Mr. Stanley said that these laws change the standard for review of land use for churches. He said that denial would place a substantial burden on religious exercise so government must show a compelling interest for denial. He further stated that staff recommended approval of this use. Mr. Stanley said that no competent substantial evidence was presented to justify a denial of this use. He requested reversal of the Planning and Land Development Regulation Commission decision.
Council Member Ward asked if Outreach Ministries already owns this property.
Mr. Stanley said that the church does own the property.
Council Member Bruno asked if the church is agreeable to the staff’s conditions.
Mr. Stanley said that the church would meet staff’s conditions.
Council Member Jaynes asked if Outreach Ministries purchased the property knowing they needed special exception for the church.
Mr. Stanley said that the church did have that knowledge prior to purchasing the property.
Mr. George Tatry explained that Outreach Ministries purchased the land after they received the denial for the Special Exception from the Planning and Land Use Regulation Commission. He said that the residents of Cassadaga have signed a petition objecting to this use on the site in question.
Pastor Ferro said that the purchase did follow the denial because the contract was about to expire.
Reverend Nick Cerant said that the site in question is only 2.2 acres and is not large enough for the functions proposed. He further stated that this is not an appropriate location and that there is a need for tranquility in this area.
Mr. Patrick McAllister said that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act does not supercede the Florida Constitution, which states that "religious freedom shall not justify practices inconsistent with public morals, peace or safety." He further stated that this Act was declared unconstitutional in Texas and that this church would disturb the peace in this area.
Mr. Stephen Adkins, Pastor of Colby Memorial Temple, said that he and other residents have signed a petition not to allow this church to develop this site. He said that the residents’ feelings of safety and harmony would be disturbed as well as tourism.
Ms. Fran Ellison, Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp, raised traffic and safety issues. She said that the zoning classification at this site is A-3, which is transitional agricultural between agricultural and residential areas. Ms. Ellison further stated that the proposed church is not a good use on this scenic road and the church is not compatible with the community.
President of Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp also said that peace and safety are an issue. He said that a halfway house and juvenile facility is not appropriate in this area. He said that the community has had problems with harassment from Reverend Ferro for which police action was taken. He stated that Reverend Ferro disrupted Sunday morning service by shouting through a loud speaker during service.
Mr. Louis Gates said that he has petitions signed by over 200 people stating that this is not an appropriate location for the proposed church.
Ms. Marie Gates requested denial of the appeal.
Ms. Elizabeth Layton said that the people that Pastor Ferro proposes to minister need help and should be allowed to be in a facility such as one that the Reverend proposes to provide.
Pastor Ferro said the church would be located at this site and provide outreach services.
Council Member John asked what community functions the church would provide.
Pastor Ferro said that he would exercise his right to freedom of speech within the guidelines of the law. He said that the service in question was held in a County park.
Mr. Scott Ashley, Zoning Planner, said that this case was a request for a Special Exception for a house of worship. He said that it would contain a 130-seat sanctuary, which would require 43 parking spaces. He said that the site would not accommodate parking as the plan is proposed and that the final site plan would need adjustments to make the parking area larger. Mr. Ashley said that the church has asked for a waver from required concrete and shell parking spaces to allow for grass parking. He said that the church could meet the requirements and would have to have ingress/egress on Mantanza Road, which would help maintain the required landscape buffer.
Council Member Northey asked if that would leave room for a trail.
Mr. Ashley said that would depend on the width of the trail system. He said that staff might have to require an easement at some point.
Pursuant to discussion and there being no objection, Council Member Ward moved to DENY the appeal and UPHOLD the determination of the Zoning Official to DENY Special Exception A-01-055. Mr. Weaver asked if this decision was based on the idea that this use would be opposed to public good and the surrounding area. After Council Member Bruno seconded second the motion, it carried 4 to 3, with Council Members John, Jaynes and Chair Lewis dissenting.
Volusia County Council 9-5-02 Minutes Excerpt
Item 9
Public hearing and request for approval of settlement of Dunamis Community and Outreach Ministries, Inc., v. County of Volusia, U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida, Case No. 6:01-CV-643-ORL-28-DAB granting a Special Exception for a House of Worship on A-3 (Transitional Agriculture) zoned property. The property is located on the north side of Cassadaga Road between Matanzas Street and San Diego Street in the community of Cassadaga, south of the City of Lake Helen; ± 2.2 acres [$38,000.00]
Staff Contact: Matthew Guy Minter, Extension 5950 LEG-2002-013
Mr. Guy Minter, Deputy County Attorney, said the issue before Council today is a combined public hearing for a settlement agreement and a Special Exception. The hearing was properly noticed. Mr. Minter provided a staff-report explaining there is currently a case on the trial docket in Federal court regarding the denial of this Special Exception. The case will move forward if the Special Exception is not approved. Negotiations have resulted in three additional conditions, which would address the concerns of the neighbors. If the case does move forward in Federal court, the three additional conditions would not be included.
Mr. Erik Stanley, Attorney for Dunamis Community and Outreach Ministries, Inc., asked Council to approve the settlement and approve the Special Exception with the additional conditions.
Reverend John A. Ferro said the members of Dunamis Community and Outreach Ministries, Inc., believe they will be good neighbors to the surrounding area and shall submit to the authority of local government.
Ms. Susan Resnick, Corporate Secretary of the Spiritualist Community, read a letter into the record requesting that Council approve the Special Exception including the three additional conditions. Mr. Nick Sourrant agreed.
Mr. Robert Feasel and Reverend Michael Modica, First Assembly of God Church, also spoke in favor of granting the Special Exception.
Reverend Carl J. Rogers; Reverend Peter C. Triolo, Jr., Morning Star Chapel of DeLand; Pastor Tommy J. Dove, White Chapel Church of God; and Pastor Bobby Smith, south Daytona Christian Church filled out public participation forms expressing their support for granting the Special Exception but they did not wish to speak.
Council Member Jaynes moved for APPROVAL and Council Member Bruno seconded the motion.
Council Member Northey said this is a zoning issue along a scenic route and she takes issue with the applicant involving State and Federal government.
Council Member Ward said this was not and is not a religious issue and it is unfortunate the applicant chose to make it a religious issue. However, it is in the best interest of taxpayers for Council to approve the Special Exception request.
The motion CARRIED 7 to 0.
A previous president of the Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp stated boldly, while taking a stand against DUNAMIS' future Christian House of Worship plans for Cassadaga, that he would not only stop a Christian Church from coming into Cassadaga, but would also stop even a Hot Dog Stand. He said, he didn't care if it was a Jesus Hot Dog Stand, a Spiritualist Hot Dog Stand, or Joe Blow's Hot Dog Stand. In the picture below, taken shortly after DUNAMIS won its lawsuit, you see a Hot Dog Stand at the gate of the Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp. Could the owner's name be Joe Blow?????????
During the 2003 T.L. Osborn conference at the Peabody Auditorium in Daytona Beach, our Father told John Ferro to go after the devil's triangle, the 3 D's - DeLand, Daytona, and Deltona and turn it into the CROWN OF CHRIST by going into the "hoods" with TENTS. This Tent is pitched in Spring Hill on the corner of Beresford and Adelle every SECOND SUNDAY of the month at 7:00 PM. The Lord said if we are faithful, there will be a measurable difference in the crime in each of these areas the tents are placed. THERE WILL BE NO EXPLANATIONS, BUT JESUS CHRIST IS LORD!
Below are photographs of the Tent in the Spring Hill Section of DeLand and Andrew Ward & Greg Hall [FIRST PREACHING EVER] preaching Jesus at a soon to be Tent location in Daytona Beach.
