BAHAMAS
Bishop Dr. Woodley C. Thompson was officially installed as the sixth national bishop of the Church of God of Prophecy in The Bahamas on September 1, 2024. The sacred service was truly Spirit-filled and ushered in the launch of the national vision of “One Faith, One Family, One Future.”
One Faith: Our unified faith in Jesus Christ alone as our Lord and Savior, Redeemer and Teacher is the pillar of our belief and lifestyle.
One Family: Our commitment to building the kingdom family through intentional restoration, active growth and vibrant multiplication
One Future: Our purposeful alignment with the promises of God as recorded in Scripture defines our future both in time and eternity.
The new plurality leadership was also introduced on September 1, 2024, with Bishop Branson Gibson as executive director of ministries and Bishop Nathaniel Beneby II as executive director of finance.
As part of One Family Day on December 8, 2024, churches across The Bahamas wore branded shirts and pins. This was a reminder that despite 60 different locations, we share this Christian journey together as a family.
Our National Crusade was held January 8–10, 2025, under the theme, “Be Reconciled to God.” Bishop Tedroy Powell, the national bishop of the United Kingdom, was the guest speaker at the crusade. Three powerful nights brought salvation, breakthroughs, healings, and restoration. Additionally, there was a children’s crusade called “God’s Friendship Adventure” that included interactive Bible study, games, drama, prayer time, and discussion.
Our outreach efforts include renovating two senior members’ homes, as well as visiting Elizabeth Estates Children’s Home. We spread God’s love and let them know we support them as a church.
In service, faith, and collective commitment, we will continue to impact God’s kingdom.
ANQUILLA
A Triple Celebratory Service in the District of Anguilla
The Church of God of Prophecy congregations in Anguilla had good reasons to celebrate three notable achievements in late December of 2024, and a special service was held in South Hill to allow for this celebration.
Moderated by the newly appointed district supervisor of Anguilla, Evan Brooks, the first segment of the service and reason for celebration was for the dedication of the new church building. The previous church building was destroyed by Hurricane Irma in September 2017, and this provided an opportunity to improve the plant and overall facilities. This beautiful, concrete structure was the culmination of the initial support from the Caribbean presbyter’s office as well as the generous giving and the hard work of church members, especially those from the Spanish-speaking community. This article affords us another opportunity to express our gratitude to Bishop Martin and our Harvest Partners for their assistance.
The second segment of this celebratory service focused on the retirement of Pastor Rosa Balbuena Azor. In this section, various tributes were given to honor the work of Pastor Rosa Azor, who served for 28 years in the Spanish-speaking community of Anguilla. In his remarks to highlight her contribution to the ministry of the church on the island, the newly appointed regional bishop, Dr. Samuel Daniel, had the following to say:
She is a faithful servant, great pastor, and a friend to pastors across the island of Anguilla. Over the years, I’ve been privileged to get to know her a little. And every time I consider her, I’ve been encouraged and challenged by her seriousness in the work of the ministry, her humility, and friendship.
The regional bishop highlighted five areas in which he found Pastor Rosa to be outstanding:
Her Faithfulness in the Ministry
Over the years, Pastor Rosa was loyal and steadfast in her commitment to the work of the Lord. She was cooperative with the leadership of the church and encouraged her congregation to do likewise. God has used her faithfulness not only to build a strong congregation, but also to help to extend the work on the island. Through her work, she was able to challenge and encourage many people, members, and pastors in the Spanish-speaking community to be faithful through times of testing.
Taking a Stand on Biblical Principles
Pastor Rosa stood for righteousness and holiness—virtues based on principles in the Bible—and she encouraged the congregation to follow these principles in their living. She was passionate and intense in her commitment to watch and guard the members of the church to ensure that they lived lives pleasing to God, and she was loved and respected for this.
The fact that Pastor Rosa served for 28 years in one church and did not change her convictions or position over these years, but stood strong with a gracious spirit, is remarkable. In all these years, she seemed to follow the admonition of Acts 20:28: “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” She took a firm stand on biblical principles.
Compassion
Pastor Rosa was known for hosting people at her home who had come from overseas, and she helped those who needed help to get established in Anguilla. Additionally, through her leadership in the church, she was able to help many people from her community who were in need. Some of these became members of the church.
Bishop Daniel added, “I believe many got saved over the years because they were shown the love of Jesus by their pastor.”
Soul-winning
Pastor Rosa believed in soul winning. She practiced what she preached. Not only did she talk about outreach, expanding the work, and soul winning, but she led the church in outreach, and she personally shared the gospel with people in her community one on one.
Except when she was challenged with her health, she never seemed too busy or preoccupied to care about a lost person. She believed in winning souls.
Burden-Bearing Pastor
Finally, she was a burden-bearing pastor.
When she took ill and had to travel to Santo Domingo, upon her return, it was amazing to see the large welcome party that met her at the airport—not just church members, but members of the community. This is testament of the impact and influence she has in the Anguilla community as someone who has helped so many. She has been a true, burden-bearing friend to many over the years, and the Lord has used her tenure to advance the work in the Spanish community on the island because of this.
The regional bishop concluded, “As she steps down from active ministry, I use the opportunity on behalf of the leaders and members of the region of the Leeward Islands, Dominica, and French West Indies to thank her for her years of faithful service; and to wish her good health for the years to come.” The congregation was invited to stand and applaud a great woman of God.
Regional Bishop Dr. Samuel Daniel, Lady Malita Daniel, District Supervisor Bishop Evan Brooks, Retired Pastor Rosa Azor, and newly appointed Pastor Elias Maynard
The final part of the service was the installation of a new pastor, Brother Elias Maynard. This young man has served faithfully, supporting the work of Pastor Rosa over the years. His installation to assume the full responsibilities of the Spanish-speaking congregation in South Hill was applauded and supported by the congregants and community alike on the island.
CAYMAN ISLANDS
Construction continues on the new church multipurpose complex in the Cayman Islands. Their dream is in fulfillment to the command of the Lord through the prophet Isaiah:
“Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities. Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame. . . .” (Isaiah 54: 2–4 NIV)
As we witness progress through these photos, Bishop Clayton Martin notes that the project is taking shape. Continue to remember this effort in prayer for completion.
