Miracle Valley, Arizona

In 1978–80 approximately 300 members of the Christ Miracle Healing Center and Church (CMHCC) moved from Mississippi and Chicago. They purchased property in the subdivision on the north side of Highway 92, across from the bible college. The founder of CMHCC, Frances E. Thomas,^[6] was a former disciple of Allen's at MVBC and attempted to purchase it after his death. Over the following two years, numerous conflicts arose between the church members and the local community and law enforcement.

Tensions escalated when it was discovered that five young children of church members had died over the previous year, with one and possibly as many as four due to the church's refusal to seek medical attention.^{[citation needed]} Faith healing was a major component of the church's teachings. Conflicts also arose when the church refused access to parents and law enforcement in retrieving the children of at least two families who had been illegally transported to the Valley against their parents' wishes.^{[citation needed]} Racial tensions arose between the African American church members and the mostly white residents.

In late 1982, a variety of incidents with law enforcement culminated when local sheriff deputies, with backup by state law enforcement, attempted to serve bench warrants for the arrest of three members of the church. A large group of church members confronted the officials and in the ensuing "shootout" two church members were killed and seven law enforcement officers were injured. One church member and one sheriff's deputy later died of their injuries. The church members departed Miracle Valley in early 1983.