Light of the World Christian Tabernacle International is a ministry born out of the obedience of God. The vision was first given to the late Archbishop Jimmie Lee Smith in 1985 and in the tradition of God’s greatest servants, the vision was not immediately accepted without reasoning and questioning. The Spirit continued to deal with him and in January 1990 he and Dr. Ruth (his wife) had the same dream–so it was time to get their house in order. 

The name of the church was given by the inspiration of God from John 8:12 and 1 John 1:7, which states “I am the light of the world … ” and “If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another…” Christian is for what we are, and Tabernacle because, just as the pieces of the tabernacle in 1 Kings 6:7 were prepared by God without the need for hammer or ax, the pieces of The Light were formed and ready to be placed before the ministry had begun.

The first service of Light of the World Christian Tabernacle was held on December 16^th, 1990 at Columbia High School, in Decatur, Georgia and on the following night the congregation began its first revival with Pastor George Gunn from Word Power Ministries in Tema Ghana, West Africa.  Filled with faithful hearts, loving spirits and a desire to praise the Lord, a “new thing” was begun. 

Every endeavor of “The Light” involves ministry, family and education.  Our primary work is to serve others and to be concerned with the needs of our brothers and sisters.  As there should be no segregation in the house of God, families, husbands and wives are encouraged to work together.