"And it was about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in the midst." - Luke 23:44-46
The temple was a place established so that Israel could engage in undivided, regular, spiritual worship and communion with her GOD. It was comprised of three distinct parts: The Outer Court, the Inner Court and the Holy of Holies. Between the Hekhal (or Holy Place) and the Devir (or Holy of Holies), hung two curtains, with a cubit's space between them.
It was here that GOD especially manifested his presence through the Shekinah glory cloud. On the Day of Atonement, the High Priest was the only one allowed to enter the Devir with his censer by going to the South side, passing between the curtains to the North side and thus emerging into the Holy of Holies. The Gospels refer to these as one veil, which was rent (torn) from top to bottom at the time of Jesus' crucifixion (Matt. 27:51, Mark 15:38, Luke 23:45).
The Devir contained two guardian cherubim, made of olive wood and adorned with gold. A number of archeological remains lead to the conclusion that these were winged sphinxes, with a lion's body, human face and great wings. They symbolized the majestic presence of GOD. On the floor beneath them stood the Ark of the Covenant, the box overlaid with gold, it's lid called the "mercy seat", upon which the atoning blood was sprinkled on the Day of Atonement (Lev. 16: 14-15). In the Ark of the Covenant were Aaron's rod, the Ten Commandments and pot of manna. It was a place where men met with GOD.
When Jesus died on Calvary, according to Luke 23:44-46, the veil in the temple was rent from top to bottom, giving everyone access to the presence of Almighty GOD for themselves. There is no more going through man to get to GOD. GOD's presence is now available for all who accept Him.
Beyond the Veil Worship Center's ultimate purpose is to lead people to GOD, allowing man to meet and experience GOD personally and intimately for himself. There is only one true GOD, and He desires to enter into a special spiritual relationship with us as a means of His self-expression in the world. As a result of living in GOD's presence and studying His Word, healing, deliverance and empowerment are manifested in our lives...
COME EXPERIENCE LIFE BEYOND THE VEIL!
"Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, His flesh."
-Hebrews 10:19-20
Before the foundations of the world, the LORD GOD established Beyond the Veil Worship Center. The divine assignment to organize and begin the ministry's work was given to Minister Wanda J. Sisco on December 30, 1999. The ministry began as a prayer group, led by Minister Wanda Sisco, and comprised of ten believers, who gathered weekly in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Coates, Sr. to pray.
In February of 2000, GOD began to send the increase as this Wednesday night Prayer Meeting led to Bible Study---growing from 10 to more than 25 believers. As time progressed, Wednesday night Bible Study paved the way for Sunday morning worship and fellowship. It was apparent that the "Bible Study Group" had become church home to many. It was at this time that Minister Sisco began to seek the LORD for a facility to meet the needs of the people more frequently.
On April 15, 2000, the Ministry held its first Prayer breakfast at the Colony South Hotel in Clinton, MD. Our first Sunday morning Worship service was held the next day, April 16 (Palm Sunday). The LORD continued to send the harvest and by the end of April 2000, in just four months, the ministry had already outgrown the residence formerly used for services.
In response to Minister Sisco's prayers, the LORD revealed through His Word in Genesis 11, that He would move the Church to a school building (Haran), where they would disciple many and then move to an actual church building (Canaan). On May 14, 2000, the Ministry held its first service in the auditorium of Andrew Jackson Middle School in Suitland, Maryland. Approx. 40 people attended.
Minister Sisco was ordained and consecrated as Senior Pastor and Founder on July 30, 2000.
Beyond the Veil is dedicated to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ--crucified and resurrected--to the lost and equipping the saints to live holy lives before Him. We believe the entire Holy Bible to be the inspired, infalliable Word of God.
In January 2001, Evangelist Theresa Birdsong, Minister Lawrence Bowlding and Minister Antoinette Bowlding were licensed to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Since that time, Evangelist Pauline Scott (February 2001), Minister Cherree Sanders (September 2001), Prophetess Camille Sanders (October 2001), Minister Karen Ellington (April 2004), Minister Jeffery Sisco (May 2004), Minister Tawana Jones (May 2005) and Minister Breon Wells (September 2006) have also been licensed. In May 2003, Minister Lawrence Bowlding (deceased), Minister Antoinette Bowlding and Minister Cherree Sanders were ordained as Pastors under Senior Pastor Wanda Sisco. In 2004, Minister Jeffery Sisco was also ordained to the Pastorate. Evangelist Pauline Scott was ordained as a Pastor in September 2006.
We rejoice that as we have sought the Lord's face, He has also seen fit to show us His hand of blessing! Under the anointed leadership of Apostle Wanda J. Sisco, in just a few years, we have purchased 18 acres of prime real estate on Croom Road in Upper Marlboro, MD; more than 20 church ministries have been established and we have launched our School of Ministry where Christian leaders may obtain ecclesiatical training. To date, the School of Ministry has graduated three Ministerial Training classes and two Church Leadership classes.
In July 2004, the ministry renovated and occupied into a beautiful worship edifice at 401-A Prince Georges Boulevard in Upper Marlboro, MD. This edifice is equipped with a 500 seat sanctuary, administrative offices, spacious classrooms, a kitchen, bookstore and fellowship hall.
All GLORY, HONOR and THANKS is due our LORD JESUS CHRIST for the wonderful things which He has done. In Jesus' name, we confidently declare that He who has begun this good work, shall perform it until the day of Christ Jesus. AMEN.
