New Life Pentecostal Church

New Life Pentecostal, is a direct result of faith in Jesus Christ from Serbia to Leamington, Ontario, Canada.

​

• In 1914, a man named Adam Valent came to New York to work and decided to visit his relatives in Akron, Ohio. His relatives were saved and attended Brother Maytan’s church. - Brother Maytan later would take several trips to Serbia to encourage the young and growing church. Adam was taken to church by his relatives and the Lord moved upon his heart and he was converted - Praise God! Brother Adam was one of many in Akron, Ohio, who heard the news of revival on Azuza Street in Los Angeles, California. Some of the Akron believers, including Brother Adam, decided to visit California to further experience the Pentecostal Experience at Azuza Street. Brother Adam was so impacted, that he decided to stay in California, get a job, and help in church services. During that time, Brother Valent developed a strong faith in God and when he prayed and laid hands on the sick, they were healed. By 1924, Brother Valent was impressed by God to return home to Lalit to preach the gospel and pray for the sick. Brother Valent’s wife accepted and experienced this gospel and they both started the first Apostolic Church in Serbia from their home.

​

• The Smisek family of the town of Pivnice had roots in the town of Lalit. Nineteen-year-old Karl Smisek was paralyzed in bed for about six months. When the family heard that there was a man in their hometown who prays for the sick and they are healed, they sent their younger son, Peter to investigate. In Lalit, everyone knew Brother Adam Valent, so he was easy for Peter to find. Peter met Brother Valent and he agreed to come to Pivnice to the Smisek’s home.

​

• In a matter of days Brother Valent was in Pivnice and a large group of people gathered at the Smisek’s home to see what would happen. Brother Valent prayed, laid hands-on Karl and the youth immediately got up from his bed. Brother Valent then explained to those that were gathered what happened and preached the gospel to them. That is how the church started in the town of Pivnice.​

​

• In the 1930’s an opportunity came to the farmers of Europe to emigrate to Canada. Among those who came to Canada were several Apostolic families from Pivnice; including Brother and Sister Smisek, the Kubinec family, the Sich family, and several other families. At first the believers gathered for services on various farms. Then a hall on Erie Street North in downtown Leamington was rented. Then in 1951 at the urging of Brother Smisek, a lot at 312 Erie Street South was purchased and the present building was built. Brother Andrew Sich was the general contractor and Brother Kubinec was the first pastor.

​

• In Serbia the gospel spread to other towns by local and visiting ministers from the United States of America. The New Life Pentecostal Church (formerly known as the United Pentecostal Church of the Lord Jesus Christ) family is thankful for the shared living gospel of Jesus Christ since 1924 that reached the farming community and fishing shores of Leamington, Ontario, Canada.

​