Well, it’s conven�on �me again – a �me of excitement and yes, a �me of prepara�on and accountability. The date has long been set: July 9--12, 2009. The venue has

The Official News Bulletin, Church of God of ProphecyTRINIDAD & TOBAGO

NATIONAL CONVENTION EDITION, 2009

The T&T Messenger is published by the Church of God of ProphecyTrinidad & Tobago

Postal Address:P.O. Box 7310, Cunupia, Trinidad

National Overseer:Bishop Maurice A. JonesTel: 868 775-3291; Tel/Fax: 665-6997E- Mail: cogoptt@gmail.com

International Offices:Cleveland, Tennessee, USA.

General Overseer: Bishop R.E. Howard

From the Desk of the Na�onal Overseer

National Youth Camp, August21-24RidgewalkCampsite, Penal

National Men’sRetreat, October16-18. TobagoVenue

CaribbeanYouthConference, January 2010. Venue and date to be announced CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

MessengerT&T

been confirmed – the beau�ful air-condi�oned auditorium at Miracle Ministries Pentecostal High School on the Southern Main Road, McBean, Couva.

The theme: “Awake to Righteousness” will arouse us all to not only conduct honest and intense introspec�on, but determinedly move us to another notch in our ver�cal rela�onship. Prayer is a key element in our personal and corporate rela�onship with God and is an absolute requirement for success. Even as some of us plan, prepare, prac�ce and promote, all of us need to pray for the Na�onal Conven�on (conven�on prayer request list on page 3).

We an�cipate a glorious conven�on, where God’s people will demonstrate the excellence our Lord requires and

An�cipa�ng a gloriousConven�on

Bishop Jones administers themembership covenant duringthe establishing of the churchat St. Charles on April 5, 2009

UPCOMINGEVENTS

Church No. 20

Pastor Shanti WestonSt. Charles COGOP

96TH INTERNATIONAL ASSEMBLY, JULY 27-AUGUST 1, 2010GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA, USA

The women of COGOP Trinidad and Tobago got together, April 3-5, at Victory Heights Bible Camp for their Annual Retreat. Actualising the theme: “Awake the Day Dawns,” our women awoke to new levels and new experiences in God.

This was the first retreat for a number of women and the powerful messages and tes�monies were very encouraging. Our women got to see and hear first hand what is grace under fire.

The Talk and Prayer sessions were par�culary upli�ing as the women were able to share their situa�ons and have them prayed for.

The young married women expressed having received a deeeper apprecia�on for their families as they got to understand that they were not alone in some of the difficul�es they experienced.

Pastor Sandra Sankar presented on the topic, Women and Their Health. This was very informa�ve and inspira�onal as it dealt not only with women’s physical bodies but also their spiritual, emo�onal, mental and social cond�on. She encouraged women to look a�er themselves and to seek help when they are unable to do it alone.

The Retreat totalled 125 women, our largest number to date. Two sisters came from Barbados and some from other denomina�ons

Many women tes�fied of being delivered and their desire to pursue a deeper walk with God.

Reporter - Ouida McMillanWomen’s Ministries Director

LADIES RETREAT2009

service of Bishop Kelvin Ramkissoon, Superintendant of Opera�ons; Pastor Elvis Williams, Praise & Worship Co-ordinator; Suresh Balram, Editor of T&T Messenger and the Conven�on Program; and other members of the Conven�on Planning Commi�ee. Imagine the pastors and congrega�on of our 20 local churches in full par�cipa�on at this awesome spiritual feast.

The 51st Na�onal Conven�on of the Church of God of Prophecy in Trinidad and Tobago will be like no other. We have reasons to celebrate and rejoice. Our praise and worship team is feverishly preparing to lead us in heavenly places. Fellowship with fresh as well as familiar faces is one of those things that COGOP people relish. The word in sermon, song and skit centered around the theme will awake and quicken those who slumber, sleep or even those who may be spiritually dead. What will most significantly dis�nguish this conven�on from others is the projec�on for progress.

The youths at Scarborough COGOP, Tobago, continue to make a significant impact on the growth and development of their local assembly.

deserves. We must all display a loving Chris�an a�tude. Our parking a�endants, ushers, greeters and other conven�on staff must perform their du�es with professionalism and courtesy. Let an excellent spirit prevail from the parking lot to the pulpit!

At our historic 50th Conven�on held at Tobago, two years ago, we were tremendously blessed to have had the Chris�ans - Bishop Winston and Pastor Glynis. This year, coming to us from the same region (led by our own Bishop Leroy Greenaway) is Pastor Daryl Clarke. Pastor Clarke was highly recommended by Bishop Robin Balram, another T&T son.

Another reason for op�mism and excitement is the opportunity to welcome two new churches, Rio Claro and God’s Kingdom Ministries (St. Charles). Besides, scores of new members from the other new churches will be a�ending their first Na�onal Conven�on. I am grateful beyond words for the dedica�on and

From the Desk of the Na�onal Overseer

We are now in possession of the Title Deed for the property at Penal. Much energy was expended in driving the Chaguanas church building project. Special thanks to Bishop Kelvin Ramkissoon, Pastor Sylvester McMillan, Minister Nazir Sinanan, Harold and Peter Abraham, Vishram Moolchan, Minister AlberthaMillet, Cunupia COGOP, as well as the many members and friends who have contributed money or labour. Though incomplete, the building has already hosted a number of ac�vi�es and is expected to host many community and na�onal mee�ngs and development programmes.

The uni�ng of God’s Kingdom Come Ministries at St. Charles Village (Via Princes Town) with the Church of God of Prophecy has to be the highlight of the review period. This church was led by Pastor Shan� Weston and mentored by Pastor Leroy Burke. The special ceremony took place on Sunday April 5, 2009. To God be the Glory!

Visit to new church facility in Tobago among the Na�onal Overseer’s many engagementsSince the Christmas issue of the T&T Messenger, I have been engaged in a number of events. They include a�endance at the 11th Caribbean Leadership Conference. It was held in the Bahamas and coincided with their year longCentennial Anniversary Celebra�ons. Our 11 member delega�on included my wife Maureena; Bishop Kelvin Ramkissoon; Pastor Agatha Questelles (mymother); Pastor Dexter James; Pastor Sylvester McMillan; Teshon Stephen; Carol Ann Bartley; Women’s Ministries Director Ouida McMillan; YvonneFelicien and Winston Simon.

The conference was tremendously impacted by the presence and ministry of General Overseer, Bishop Randy Howard; Global Outreach Director, Bishop David Bryan; CBL Director, Dr. Hector Or�z and Bishop Adrian Varlack, CBL Instructor and Church Historian. Bishop Brice H. Thompson ably moderated the conference and ini�ated his inten�on of re�ring at the end of his present tenure.

Bishop Jones and his wifeMaureena celebrate their 34th

Wedding Anniversary on July 5

CONVENTION PRAYER REQUEST LIST

PRAY EARNESTLY FORBishop Maurice Jones, Na�onal Overseer / Moderator - Spiritualdirec�on, anoin�ng, wisdom;Physical health and strength

Manpower and material resources

Guest Speaker, Pastor Daryl Clarkof Washington DC - Safe trip;Effec�ve ministering

Altar services - Many las�ngexperiences

District Overseers, Ministers,Na�onal Directors, Praise &Worship Team and everyone on the programme

Conven�on Staff - Clerks,registrars, ushers, parkinga�endants, intercessors

All delegates and visitors - Traveling mercies

Excellent spirit

To be challenged and respond to the Theme: “Awake toRighteousness”

Business session to be conducted with cordiality, clarity, decency and dispatch

Maureena and I were pleased to spend a few days with our friends Bishop Franklin Ferguson and his wife Rovena. This visit included worship at the historic East Street Tabernacle with its well-appointedextension and a boat trip to Harbour Island. Our next stop was in Miami where we ministered with Bishop Wentworth Heron. Back home, ac�vi�es included Leadership Mee�ngs; ministry in Tobago, which included a visit to the new place ofworship at Scarborough; ministry at COGOP Tunapuna, where Mervin Clement was formally appointed Pastor; the 2009 Na�onal Ladies Retreat at Victory Heights; a visit to the Barrackpore mission; du�es with the Gospel Bulle�n Board, theTrinidad & Tobago Council of Evangelical Churches and other kindred organisa�ons.GBB UPDATE

Friends of GBB (Gospel Bulle�n Board) launched on February 7, 2009 at a Breakfast Mee�ng held at Gil’s Restaurant, Gasparillo.

6th Anniversary Celebra�on held on May 29, 2009, Redemp�on Worship Center, Chaguanas.

George Barna, Founder of TheBarna Group, will visit Trinidad later this year as a guest of the Gospel Bulle�n Board. Barna has been hailed as “the most quoted person in the Chris�an Church today.”

Managing Editor: Bishop MauriceA. Jones

Edi�ng andLayout:Suresh Balram

Office Assistant: Melissa Seetan

NEWS FROM OUR LOCAL CHURCHES, AND MORE

Tunapuna COGOP hosted its 2nd Ladies Night on March 7, 2009. Among the approximately 80 women present were Co-Pastor Lynn Lamont of EmmanuelApostolic Tabernacle and sisters from the Rose of Sharon Ministries.

On March 29, the Tunapuna COGOP was “officially re-organized.” Ina�endance were Bishop Maurice Jones and his family and Bishop Keith Forde. Pastor Mervin Clement was appointed Senior Pastor. Five new members were added to the church. A five-night crusade followed on April 9-13 at which two persons were saved and one person rededicated their life to the Lord.

Barataria COGOP Youth Ministry was launched on March 14. Youth Na�onal Director Damien McKenzie delivered the evening’s message and Pastor Elvis and Sis. Claudia Williams laid hands on and prayed for the appointed youth leaders and members.

COGOP SPORTS AND FAMILY DAY - MAY 9

A day of fun and fellowship at the Prison’s Grounds, Arouca, began with the Parade of Teams: the Blue Team (South); the Red Team (El Dorado,Barataria, Morvant, St.James); the Yellow Team (Central) and the Purple Team (La Horque�a, Maloney, Tunapuna, Tobago). The Red team won Best Mascot and Best Marching. The events were all fun, some quite hilarious, especially the Scotchman race. The Purple Team were overall winners.

RADIO MINISTRY“Moment of Change” 98.1FM1st & 3rd Wednesday, 9.30pm.

The following local churches have their own radio programmes:St. James, El Dorado, Princes Town, St. Charles; plus “Sound the Trumpet” with Minister Leroy Burke.

MISSION TRIPLed by Bishop Rich Barker, a14-member mission team from Christ Tabernacle COGOP, Sheridan, Indiana, USA, will be in ministry in Trinidad from July 28 to August 4. The team willconduct Vacation Bible School daytime sessions at Rio Claro.

HARVEST PARTNERSA special “thank you” to all our Harvest Partners who continue to support, financially andotherwise, the work in Trinidad & Tobago.

UNITING IN PRAYER AND FAST FOR T&TA call to all pastors and churches to unite in prayer and fasting for our nation, June 26-28. Fordetails, call 653-0550, 761-6698, 763-2915. Pastor Kris Maharaj, Chairman, Pray and Fast for T&T

CONVENTIONPLANNING COMMITTEEBishop Maurice Jones, Bishop Kelvin Ramkissoon, Bishop Keith Forde, Bishop Pooran Sankar, Bishop Horace Stevenson, Pastors Dexter Glasgow, Elvis Williams, Shanti Weston and MichaelRamkhelawan, Roy Seebran, Damien McKenzie, OuidaMcMillan, Suresh Balram

RIGHT: Zonal teams await the competitive events at COGOP Sports and Family Day.

Members of the church at Tunapuna on Re-organization Day. Seated at left is Pastor Mervin Clement.