Pastors James and Claudia Axel, along with their two children, James and Chante’ arrived in Aberdeen, September 1985. The Lord placed a burden for lost souls on Pastor Axel’s heart for Aberdeen and Aberdeen Proving Ground Community. His attempt to start a service on Post was blocked, which now has proven to be a blessing, because God opened the door for Pastor Axel to start a service in the Educational Building of Grove Presbyterian Church on March 23, 1986.

Pastor Axel started a church in 1986, originally known as The Aberdeen Community Church, which is now Tabernacle of Faith Church while he was still active in the Army. Under his leadership, many cosmetic changes took place. With only a handful of members and FAITH IN GOD, Pastor Axel had tremendous doors open before him. In June 1986, the Lord directed Pastor Axel to start a Bible Study in the Washington Park Apartments. In September 1986, the Lord instructed Pastor Axel to go on the radio. He opened the door for us to go “primetime” Sunday morning, at 9:30 am. God spoke it on Saturday and on Monday we were agreeing on a contract walking by FAITH and not by sight. God made a way out of no way!!

 God continued to bless as we began our Sunday School, our Young People’s Choir, and the congregation was able to purchase our own building in 1990. After his retirement in 1993, Pastor Axel worked various jobs until November 1995, when the Lord impressed upon his heart to enter the ministry full time. After his obedience, things really started to happen for Tabernacle of Faith Church. The women were blessed to begin Annual Women’s Conference, with participants from surrounding churches in MD, PA, and NJ together with great expectancy of God’s awesome power! Over the years, many anointed ministries have been formed and we faced many obstacles as the building phase was going on.

“So built we the wall and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof; for the people had a mind to work. (Nehemiah 4:6)