In January of 2003, under the leadership of Pastor Ivan L. Williams, Sr., and Associate Pastor Gregory Johnson, members of the Sacramento Capitol City Church made personal commitments to sacrifice up to $50 each month toward the elimination of the church mortgage. This goal amounted to raising $68,000 in one year.

Staying true to their pledges, the members of the Capitol City Church celebrated reaching that goal on Feb. 7 in a special mortgage-burning service. “This special Sabbath day celebration was Spirit-filled with uplifting songs of praise and thanksgiving given toward none other than our Lord and Savior for freeing us from this 10-year debt,” said Brenda Baggett, communications leader for the Capitol City Church.

During the service, Williams spoke about “When Freedom Is Not Free” using Numbers 14:1-4 as his main text. The congregation was reminded that it takes sacrifice, dedication, commitment and unwavering, relentless faith in the Lord to bring us through trials. “The Lord has placed in each of us a desire to be free,” said Williams. “This desire and faith has caused us to be blessed by the Lord in the paying off of this enormous, but not insurmountable, debt!”