Psalms 37:23 says “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.”  As divine providence would have it, Pastor Adebanjo had been sent occasionally by his Bishop, the late H. Jenkins Bell, to minister in his stead at the Cane Memorial Church of God in Christ.  Little did Pastor Adebanjo know that God was calling and preparing him to Pastor that church.

In 1986, again by divine providence, the late Bishop H. Jenkins Bell asked Pastor Adebanjo to come and serve as the permanent pastor of the Cane Memorial Church of God In Christ, located at 2080 12th Avenue South.   Pastor Adebanjo was somewhat apprehensive to accept the position because he had already started a new work and did not know how his new wife would react to the move. But little did he know that God had already spoken to his wife, First Lady Jennifer Adebanjo concerning this momentous move. Pastor Adebanjo prayerfully accepted.

So, in the spring of 1986, Pastor Adebanjo merged the Highway to Heaven Church congregation with the Cane Memorial congregation. To say the least, these were very turbulent years. But with the help and strength of God, the congregation continued on, through immense adversities and oppositions, determined to do the work of the Lord.

After several years of seeking God, Pastor Adebanjo changed the name of the church to The Living Word International Church to better reflect the vision God had given him concerning the direction of the ministry.  Flags representing the various nations were positioned around the church to emphasize Pastor Adebanjo’s call to the nations and the international fervor of the ministry.

Being the man of faith that he is, chairs were placed down the middle aisle of the church to testify of the faith he had in God to fill the church and of the expectation of greater things to come. During this time, various outreaches and in-reach programs were established.

Renovations were made, including some structural changes, new carpeting, new kitchen appliances, the installation of a handicapped ramp, the launching and establishment of a successful Day Care.  The radio and television ministry went to a new level.  It was from this location that Pastor Adebanjo pioneered the Racial Reconciliation Task Force,  and founded the Evangelistic Ministries which provided housing for the homeless families here in the Nashville area.  Many wonderful things happened at the 12th Avenue location. Most importantly, souls were saved and reclaimed, bodies healed and many miracles were wrought.  There were mighty visitations from the Lord.   The 12th Avenue location was to be the place of worship for 19 years.