From Humble Beginnings
Our founder, Pastor Fykes, Sr., was baptized at the Greater Bethlehem Temple Church of Inglewood on May 2, 1982. He received the gift of the Holy Ghost in July of 1982 under the leadership of Bishop Winston L. Singleton, Sr. In 1984, he was called to the ministry. His obedience enhanced the manifestation of his spiritual gifts in service at Greater Bethlehem Temple Church until May 1996. In June 1996, he was elevated as an elder at the Christ Temple Apostolic Church of Los Angeles under the leadership of Pastor Lewis D. Stallworth III. He served as Associate Pastor and a board member from 1997 – 1999.
The Growing Flock
His passion for outreach was apparent as he faithfully conducted in-home Bible classes with his wife, throughout the greater Los Angeles. In June 1999, he founded The GREATER WORKS Apostolic Outreach Ministry, authorized by the late Bishop Lewis D. Stallworth, Sr. and recognized by the Pentecostal Churches of the Apostolic Faith (PCAF), as an incorporated small church. Pastor Forrest A. Fykes was ordained at the PCAF National Convention in Indianapolis in August 2000. Since that time, he and his wife have conducted marriage seminars across the country, including at the national conventions hosted by the PCAF.
Lady Valerie Fykes
It was her twelfth year of marriage and three children later, when the Lord called Lady Valerie Fykes into Holiness, April 30, 1982. She was baptized in the name of Jesus and filled with the Holy Ghost, at the Greater Bethlehem Temple Church, of Inglewood, CA, under the administration of Bishop Winston L Singleton, Sr. Her obedience to the voice of God brought her entire immediate family in (Husband, mother and three children ages 7, 5, and 4).
During her membership at Greater Bethlehem Temple Church, she served in several capacities for many years (Missionary-corresponding by letters both domestically and internationally; Usher Board; and Sunday School Departments) until May of 1996. In October 1997, she was licensed as a Minister by the California and Western States Council (CWSC). She also assisted her companion in teaching in-home bible classes throughout the Greater Los Angeles and surrounding areas. In June of 1999, she was instrumental in establishing The Greater Works Apostolic New Life Center, authorized by the late Bishop Lewis D. Stallworth Sr., and recognized by the Pentecostal Churches of the Apostolic Faith, Inc. as a small church. Lady Fykes was ordained as an evangelist, at the P.C.A.F. National Convention in the city of Cleveland, OH July of 2004.
As the proud Elect Lady and Co-Pastor of Greater Works…this ministry takes Apostolic Outreach into the streets. Along with her husband and pastor, Elder Forrest A. Fykes I, they head an energetic staff that strives for excellence. She also tag teams with her spouse as they teach Successful Long Lasting Marriage Concepts in many local seminars and in two PCAF National Conventions. Lady Fykes and her husband have opened their hearts and doors to the less fortunate and under privileged by becoming foster parents to over 30 or more children. In late 2007, Lady and Pastor Fykes were able to become a part of an organized team called Get on the bus. This unique ministry circulates the community and unites children with their mothers and fathers in prison. Fathers Day weekend, June 2008 after a thorough and intense process, they were able to take about 30 young people to the San Luis Obispo site to visit their Fathers in prison (who some had never met).
Lady Fykes is actively involved in the National Women’s Forum within the P.C. of A.F. Organization. In December of 2014, Lady Fykes was elevated to the position of Co-Pastor of Greater Works New Life Center. She truly is a Proverbs 31 woman and a lover of God’s people. Twice weekly she teaches a hands-on bible class to those incapacitated and drives as far as 50 miles to do so. Her hobbies include playing her keyboard, spending quality time with her family and enjoying the journey with her wonderful husband of over 46 years.