Pastor Ellis was born and raised in Louisville, KY. After joining the U.S. Army in the mid 1970’s, he met and married Yvette Armour in 1978. Throughout the early start of his ministry, Pastor Ellis learned many aspects about leading a church through the hard times he faced. He, however, did not let that stop him. He had no idea what God was about to do, but he stepped out on faith. 1987 brought about great events in the lives of the Ellis family. After having services in three different storefront buildings, Pastor Ellis bought the property located at 119 Chapel Street where ALOC still resides today. Pastor Ellis and his wife have four children: Gary, Jr., Genesis, Shekinah and Gabrielle.
Throughout Pastor Ellis’ ministry, God has shown Himself strong in every situation. The church sustained 3 church splits, devastating financial trials, and the deployment of the pastor during the Military Conflict Operation Desert Storm.
In 1997 Pastor Ellis and his family made the decision to move out of their home and into the basement of another family’s house and lived there for two years; all to keep the doors of the church open. During that time, ALOC experienced its greatest revival and growth.
Yvette Marie Ellis is known as a woman of prayer, passion and purpose. She was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and raised wherever her father was stationed in the US Army. In 1977 she met Gary D. Ellis and would later marry. Yvette graduated with a degree in Legal Secretarial Sciences from the International Business College.
Yvette places a high value on God, family and community. She successfully home educated their four children (Gary Jr., Genesis, Shekinah & Gabrielle), while also serving full time as First Lady of Abundant Life Outreach Center.
Yvette has birthed The Esther Assignment (an international conference for women of all ages), and launched an international prayer hotline. She chartered a community public speaking team, travels extensively speaking at conferences, gatherings, and so much more.
Yvette enjoys running, reading, learning, volunteering in the community, art and travel. She is known for having a soft touch and caring heart. Yvette’s ultimate goals remain to love God, serve His people and live the abundant life He has planned for her.