Harvest Fire Worship Center History

Harvest Fire Worship Center, formerly Church of the First Born, was established in Miami, in March of  1978, through a series of events that led the Clarkes to Miami, Florida.   The call also came at an opportune time for the Clarkes who were residing in Brooklyn, N.Y. which had just experienced 18 inches of snow in a twenty-four period and the thought of going to Florida to resolve the issues was very appealing. God was faithful and despite the situation one family member gave his heart to the Lord.  The Clarke's left Florida elated and reported to their Overseer the might y work of God.  Little did they know that this small beginning opened the door to greater things.

Destiny beckoned and they answered unwaveringly.  The Clarkes responded to the call of the Father and gave up everything to follow His leading.  On Good Friday, 1978, the newly married Couple left New York on their eventful journey to Florida to become the pastors of the branch of the Church of the First Born in Miami, Florida.  Pastor Donald had resigned his job as a junior executive at Irving Trust Bank in New York City, to follow the leading of God in this endeavor. His wife was also  months pregnant with the their first  child to be born in August of the same year.

There were many setbacks, but the Clarkes with the help of God weathered the 'storms'  as they came.  The first service was held at a store front building with three faithful - the one convert plus the Clarkes.   In the ensuing months the place of meeting went from location to another until 1982 when the church purchased the first piece of several pieces of property that was to become the permanent home of Harvest Fire Worship Center. The first worship facility was a rather primitive mobile home but God manifested Presence was evident.

In 1989, our new facility that was geared to seat 125 persons was constructed. Having experienced solid exponential growth in the years following, the Pastors and Leadership purchased the adjacent lot contiguous to it and in 1994 began construction of its present multifaceted facilities, completing them in 1998. The total cost was approximately $1.4 million with about $1 million donated by about 200 members over the 4-year building period.

In 2002 the church name and affiliation changed  from the Church of the First Born and was renamed Harvest Fire Worship Center, which now operates under the auspices of Reverend Donald & Pastor Helga Clarke. Today, Harvest Fire Worship Center strives as a multi-cultural church with a proactive group of Elders and Deacons providing strong middle-management infrastructural support as the church growth continues. Harvest Fire Worship Center is a parent of Harvest Fire International Outreach Ministries which was formed  with  the specific purpose of delivering vital social and evangelical services both nationally and internationally. We strive daily to grow in the knowledge and the grace of God who is the head of this work.