Nelson R. Henley, Sr. was born in Waco, TX, and raised in Gholson, TX. He is a graduate of the Aquilla ISD. After High School, he served in the U.S. Army. For many years Nelson made his home in southern California, where he received the Lord in 1981. He and the former Ernestine Thomas (Tina), were married in 1983 and began their life together with a blended family of five children. In 1987 after having served as a The New Members teacher, as a Deacon, and in various helps ministries, he received a call into the ministry and was ordained and installed as an Assistant Pastor by Dr. John H. Woods, Jr., of Praise Christian Center, Pomona, CA.In 1995 He received a new calling from the Lord, to establish a new work. The Word of Life Christian Church was birthed in the spirit. Nelson And his wife, Tina, left all to be obedient to the call. They moved from Southern California to Waco, Texas.The church met for two years in the East Waco Community Center, before purchasing the current location at 824 Longfellow Drive, Waco, TX 76710.Pastor Henley is a graduate of Speak The Word School of Ministry, Minnesota Graduate School of Theology, and Sonship School of The First Born.Pastor Valerie Holcomb, the Pastor of The Christian House of Prayer, In Killeen, Texas is the overseer of Covenant Connections International, along with Bishops and Elders that provide oversight for Pastor Nelson and First Lady Henley, as they lead this congregation.