An Urgent Appeal from Guyana and Suriname
Beloved Brethren and Mission Partners,
By faith and with the steadfast support of the body of Christ, we are actively advancing the kingdom’s work in both Guyana and Suriname. These efforts focus on strengthening the foundation of ministry, expanding the reach of the gospel, and creating sustainable spaces where worship, fellowship, and transformation can thrive.
1. Structural Concerns – Suriname Church Foundation
Currently, the church’s physical foundation in Suriname faces serious danger due to overgrown trees and bushes surrounding the site. This vegetation directly threatens the stability of the structure. Preparations are underway to clear the land after the rainy season. However, the next phase involves internal and external sand filling and the installation of drainage systems as required by local authorities. For this urgent work, the church needs between $3,000 and $5,000 (USD).
2. Boat Transportation Ministry
In Guyana’s riverine communities, accessibility remains one of our biggest challenges. Many of our brothers and sisters live in isolated areas, cut off from fellowship because of unreliable transportation. To revive this vital link, we are aiming to purchase a new boat engine that will restart our river transportation ministry. This will allow us to share the gospel with those who would otherwise be unable to access it, while also reconnecting believers who have been separated from the broader body of Christ.
3. Sanctuary Completion
Building multipurpose sanctuaries in Suriname and Guyana remains a critical priority. These sanctuaries will serve not only as places of worship but also as community centers, spaces where believers gather for discipleship, outreach, and transformation. With your partnership, these houses of God can be completed and fully equipped to address both spiritual and community needs.
We prayerfully appeal to you, our faithful brethren, churches, and partners, to join us in sowing into these efforts. Your giving will directly
strengthen the foundation of the church in Suriname
restore vital transportation to bring the gospel to riverine communities
support the completion of sanctuaries in Guyana and Suriname
Every seed you plant will bear eternal fruit, strengthening God’s work in these nations and ensuring that His church continues to stand as a beacon of faith, hope, and transformation.
“Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it” (Psalm 127:1).
With gratitude for your prayers and generosity, we remain your partners in the harvest.
Bishop Phillip James
Guyana and Suriname National Bishop
Paragon Region COGOP Centennial Celebration
Theme: A Rich History and a Bright Future
The Paragon Region (formerly known as the Northeast Caribbean Region) celebrated 100 years of ministry in the territory on Thursday, January 1, through Sunday, January 4, 2026, on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Bishop Dr. Carswell Leonard serves as the regional bishop of the Paragon Region.
Bishop A. J. Tomlinson established the church at 2 a.m. on Friday, January 1, 1926. Bishop Tomlinson wrote in his diary, “This is my first experience in setting a church in order so early in the morning, but they wanted to take the action the first thing in the new year.”
The church grew exponentially and eventually spread to the British Virgin Islands.
In 1978, under the leadership of Bishop Rufus Rogers, the region grew to include the Leeward Islands, the ABC Islands, and Suriname. During Bishop Aludus Todman’s administration in 2006, the region was reorganized once again. It consisted only of the ABC Islands, the British Virgin Islands, and the United States Virgin Islands. The area is multiethnic and multilingual. The languages spoken include English, Spanish, French Creole, and Papiamento.
The region continues to blaze new paths as we move into the future with the confidence that the same God who faithfully brought us through these 100 years will continue to open doors for ministry that will contribute to the growth and impact of the Church of God of Prophecy.
Celebration in Grand Abaco Bahamas: A Testimony of Faith, Resilience, and Restoration
CATHY PAYNE, DMIN | GLOBAL MISSIONS MINISTRIES
Shortly before nightfall on September 1, 2019, Hurricane Dorian made landfall on Grand Abaco Island as a Category 5 storm. Now recognized as the strongest hurricane ever to strike the island, Dorian stalled for nearly two days, battering the area with relentless wind, rain, and storm surge. The impact was catastrophic—floodwaters swallowed communities, ships were displaced, buildings destroyed, and even asphalt was stripped from roadways. Much of the island remained underwater for days, leaving behind evidence of immeasurable devastation. Trees were splintered and stripped bare, debris littered the land, and homes were destroyed, leaving thousands of people homeless. Many of us were glued to our newscasts as rescue workers continued the heartbreaking task of recovering the bodies of neighbors and loved ones from beneath the wreckage. Today, Dorian stands on record as the costliest hurricane in the history of the Bahamas.
In response to the plight of our church family in the Bahamas, the Church of God of Prophecy mobilized quickly, offering urgent prayer support, providing funding for immediate needs such as clean water and emergency supplies, and organizing temporary shelter for many who had been displaced.
Some six and a half years later, we rejoice in the ongoing recovery efforts of our Bahamian family as they continue working to rebuild and restore this beloved island. Recent reports indicate that approximately 75 percent of the homes destroyed or damaged by Hurricane Dorian have now been rebuilt or repaired, offering a powerful testimony of perseverance. (See the official news report here: A story of resilience | News | thenassauguardian.com.)
It is with great joy that we share the news that the church in Abaco—once overtaken by the sea—has now been reclaimed. February 1, 2026, marked a day of celebration and renewal as our Bahamian family gathered to dedicate the completed building, which will once again serve as a meeting place for the local congregation and a visible testimony of faith, resilience, and restoration. We invite you to rejoice with us as you watch the accompanying video presentation.
